tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82347561887765831702018-04-19T16:06:39.407-04:00Sarah Hauser - My Journey with Animals - TTouch, Reiki and MoreAnimals inspire my life and my art (http://sarahhauser.neoimages.net). This blog is about my journey with animals, and especially my connection to them through my work with them as a Tellington TTouch Practitioner for Companion Animals and Reiki Master with special certification in Animal Reiki. I also incorporate Debono Moves, Bach Flower remedies and Chakra Healing and into my practice. Thank you to all the animals and people who continually teach me as I continue this journey.sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.comBlogger530125SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimalshttps://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-45504171947614740572018-03-21T15:53:00.001-04:002018-03-21T22:58:02.872-04:00From Fearful and Hiding to Joyful Cuddling and Playing: Simon and Caleb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fjvHK8Xbvvg/WrKnzXFbdMI/AAAAAAAAFbk/Gcpf35T8Z4U-z8HhxDoULwA19mGFOAO7gCLcBGAs/s1600/8-24-17simoncaleb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fjvHK8Xbvvg/WrKnzXFbdMI/AAAAAAAAFbk/Gcpf35T8Z4U-z8HhxDoULwA19mGFOAO7gCLcBGAs/s320/8-24-17simoncaleb.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It is an extra-special pleasure when I am able to continue to work with cats who I have worked with in a shelter after they have been adopted into a loving home.&nbsp; And in this case, it was so beautiful to witness the transformation of these two dear boys from being shy and a bit scared of people to being so open and loving.<br /><br />When I first met these two young kitties, who I affectionately call "the orange boys", it was at Bideawee shelter, and their names were Ticky and Tocky.&nbsp; In working with them, I could tell that they were shy, but so sweet, and they were so connected with each other, I was hoping they would go to a home together.&nbsp;&nbsp; The bigger boy, who would later be named Simon, was especially shy, but was receptive to being petted when nestled in a cozy place.&nbsp; Caleb started out shy, but once you started to make contact with him, he came forward pretty readily, rubbing on&nbsp;my hand.<br /><br />These little boys could not have had better fortune! They ended up going home with Brigid, a friend and client of my friend <a href="http://www.dreamsofamelia.com/" target="_blank">Eileen</a>, who is a wonderful animal communicator, and has done cat sitting for years for Brigid.&nbsp; A couple of weeks or so after their adoption, Eileen connected Brigid to me, and I began doing sessions with them in their new home.<br /><br />Brigid had been starting to let the boys have the run of the apartment, not realizing that this was too overwhelming for them, especially for Simon, so I had her seclude them in the bedroom as she had initially.&nbsp; Whenever introducing shy cats to a new place, it is important to keep them in one small space for a good while, til they are comfortable in that space, then let them slowly expand their territory to include another room, etc.&nbsp; A bathroom is good for the first space, especially if the cat is very shy, then a bedroom might be next.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTrKAJYsDnw/WrKofLZPpTI/AAAAAAAAFcE/SVL8eQ44EBgb6y-qbYe25K-0kr4WN3OkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/simoncaleb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTrKAJYsDnw/WrKofLZPpTI/AAAAAAAAFcE/SVL8eQ44EBgb6y-qbYe25K-0kr4WN3OkQCEwYBhgL/s320/simoncaleb.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />Caleb was still a bit shy initially, but soon after touching him, he would register that he enjoyed the contact, and he would start responding to it.&nbsp; So I showed Brigid how to do some of the TTouches, and encouraged her to make contact with him frequently, to keep reminding him that he liked touch.<br /><br />Simon was more shy.&nbsp; And sometimes when feeling very shy, he would also start nervously grooming.&nbsp; At times, though,&nbsp;he would settle in a place enough to touch him, so it was a matter of being patient and waiting til he settled pretty well in a place, like on the bed, and then gradually approach him, perhaps stroking him with the stick end of a stick toy first.&nbsp; In one of my first sessions, it was not until the end of the session that he really settled, but it was so worth being patient, because when I approached him, he really settled into the TTouches and started responding to him.&nbsp; I had Brigid come and sit next to me and do exactly what I was doing (gentle TTouches on the head) so that she could experience it as well and have the confidence that it could happen with the two of them. Such a beautiful moment!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q13nUGoKB2Y/WrKoC4BCQgI/AAAAAAAAFcI/bt2GxkOfspQD7mDO3jxz4UB8syb9xU5FwCEwYBhgL/s1600/simonandcaleb%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q13nUGoKB2Y/WrKoC4BCQgI/AAAAAAAAFcI/bt2GxkOfspQD7mDO3jxz4UB8syb9xU5FwCEwYBhgL/s320/simonandcaleb%2B003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Simon tended to hide under things or in edges or corners of the room.&nbsp; I had Brigid block under the bed as much as possible.&nbsp; But she needed to provide him with hidey spaces which were more accessible, so I had her do that at the same time, so Simon would not feel he had no place to hide.&nbsp; A simple cardboard box with a towel or something cozy inside can do. I also suggested that a tunnel could be a good idea, or cozy hidey beds, and so she got these items as well.&nbsp; Simon still seemed to find underneath places to hide, like under a chair, but at least these were more accessible than under the bed.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idAzg7k9H-E/WrKoE2Dmv0I/AAAAAAAAFcc/SzEDl4JqCbU3DbcZKq_HBZUgBbhenyjcACEwYBhgL/s1600/simoncalebtogetherfrombrigid%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="626" height="260" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idAzg7k9H-E/WrKoE2Dmv0I/AAAAAAAAFcc/SzEDl4JqCbU3DbcZKq_HBZUgBbhenyjcACEwYBhgL/s320/simoncalebtogetherfrombrigid%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />And each week, more progress was being made.&nbsp; Caleb got friendlier and friendlier, really turning into a lap cat, and Brigid slowly was able to touch Simon more. And of course, the boys are just the best of buddies, and are seen curling up with each other or playing together all the time.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0HZIxjPpVb0/WrKoI_Mdo_I/AAAAAAAAFcQ/0mhMgDIcfeQD0S563S-AK5HxVGMz9eEtQCEwYBhgL/s1600/simoncalebtogetherfrombrigid%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1457" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0HZIxjPpVb0/WrKoI_Mdo_I/AAAAAAAAFcQ/0mhMgDIcfeQD0S563S-AK5HxVGMz9eEtQCEwYBhgL/s320/simoncalebtogetherfrombrigid%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The boys both love to play, so one thing that worked really well with Simon was to play with him gently with a string toy, and then bring the toy closer to me, so he would need to come in closer proximity to me. At times he would end up resting not too far from where I was.&nbsp;&nbsp; So I would be able to stroke him a couple of times with the stick end of the toy.&nbsp; I generally don't mix play energy with a petting-type thing, but in Simon's case this combination worked well.&nbsp; It helped encourage Simon to come nearby in a non-threatening way.&nbsp; I also told Brigid to simply sit quietly with them not even trying to touch them, just letting them get used to being near her.&nbsp; One session I took her through a guided meditation that she could share with the boys. Following is a version of it.&nbsp; This is similar to Reiki, but is something that anyone can do, whether trained in Reiki or not.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/D2rUTMiMWCk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D2rUTMiMWCk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br />I incorporated Reiki into our sessions.&nbsp; Usually I let the Reiki flow throughout the session, no matter what else we might be doing, but sometimes I spent a certain amount of time with just a dedicated Reiki session.&nbsp; The boys are young, so sometimes they would take a while to settle into the energy, or would relax for a while, then play for a while, etc.&nbsp; But that is all good.&nbsp; Reiki will go where it is needed.<br /><br />As we continued to work, I saw Simon's nervous grooming less and less.<br /><br />I also made flower remedies for the boys for them to take internally as well as to be sprayed in the environment.&nbsp; The essences I used helped to de-stress them and to let go of some of their fears.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iYkYUb61WH0/WrKnPW5rLsI/AAAAAAAAFbc/bn2sKmFiRm0lQTI5t4tsI4wK7-rQFL4CQCEwYBhgL/s1600/1-1-18simoncaleb%2B%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iYkYUb61WH0/WrKnPW5rLsI/AAAAAAAAFbc/bn2sKmFiRm0lQTI5t4tsI4wK7-rQFL4CQCEwYBhgL/s320/1-1-18simoncaleb%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>OK Sarah, where are the treats?</em></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>In the beginning I tried to work a bit with treats with the boys, but it took a while for them to be comfortable with this.&nbsp; However, after their general anxiety lessened, and we experimented with a variety of treats, then they realized that they loved the treats, and loved them enough to be able to eat them around us.<br /><br />So...I taught Brigid some basic clicker training, which turned out to be a great success with both of the boys.&nbsp; Using the clicker and treats, we got the boys used to coming to us, and really wanting to come closer to us.&nbsp; First you just click and treat to get them used to the association.&nbsp; Then you can get them to come to a target.&nbsp; A natural one is to offer your finger or the stick end of a stick toy, and usually naturally the cat will touch its nose to it.&nbsp; Then you can use the target to help them get closer and closer to you, or to do other fun tricks. <br /><br />Once the boys were comfortable with the clicker and treats, we started to pet them while they were taking the treats.&nbsp; I remember one session when it seemed like things really "clicked" for Simon with this exercise, and he seemed to start enjoying the pets as much as the treats, leaning into my hand.&nbsp; So beautiful to see!&nbsp;&nbsp;The real breakthrough was to see&nbsp;Simon seeking out the touch and really enjoying it.&nbsp; <br /><br />I also showed her how to help the boys start making friends with their carriers, by working with the clicker and tossing treats for them to retrieve from inside the carriers.&nbsp; <br /><br />As we continued working with the boys over a few months, they kept progressing and progressing, so I kept adding in more things to do with them.&nbsp; Now that Brigid could touch them both more, I taught her more of the TTouches so that she could share them with the boys. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWw2wLtz-eI/WrKnG6SDAMI/AAAAAAAAFbo/SoAXUzUagoAwbDy0-A4sYHooKe1XEIOFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/3-4-18simoncaleb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWw2wLtz-eI/WrKnG6SDAMI/AAAAAAAAFbo/SoAXUzUagoAwbDy0-A4sYHooKe1XEIOFwCEwYBhgL/s320/3-4-18simoncaleb.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Eventually, it was time for Brigid to just take over the process of working with them on her own, and she has done a wonderful job.&nbsp; I have not seen them for a few months now, and they continue to progress.&nbsp; I am so happy with how far they have been able to come, and that they continue to learn and grow with Brigid with all the love that she surrounds them with, and that they give back to her as well.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g83daMvSM1I/WrKytUsWt8I/AAAAAAAAFc0/sadmyG4YxRMRZefvJGtgBonpjHErKtgMACLcBGAs/s1600/simoncalebtogetherfrombrigid%2B%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1600" height="259" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g83daMvSM1I/WrKytUsWt8I/AAAAAAAAFc0/sadmyG4YxRMRZefvJGtgBonpjHErKtgMACLcBGAs/s320/simoncalebtogetherfrombrigid%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />And, shy Simon is not so shy any more! Simon now will come on her lap at times, and is doing just great, as is dear Caleb! And, both cats are very friendly with Eileen, who comes to cat sit them whenever Brigid is away. The following photo was taken by Eileen recently.&nbsp; This is Simon being sooo relaxed after playing with Eileen!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3f0-grOiZMU/WrKnAOGSzlI/AAAAAAAAFbU/6IR63rYSFzQQ57-HSt87ImZAFJwKkvVdACEwYBhgL/s1600/3-19-18simonwitheileen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3f0-grOiZMU/WrKnAOGSzlI/AAAAAAAAFbU/6IR63rYSFzQQ57-HSt87ImZAFJwKkvVdACEwYBhgL/s320/3-19-18simonwitheileen.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Patience, love, persistence, trying different tools, not giving up.&nbsp; Trying something different if one thing is not working so well.&nbsp; When working with shy cats, something doesn't work one day but&nbsp;might work another day, and visa versa.&nbsp; Keep your mind open, and you may think of a variation on what you are trying that will work better.&nbsp; The cats have so much to teach us - we just need to quiet our minds enough so we can hear them:)<br /><br />I wanted to say a big thank you to Brigid and the orange boys.&nbsp; I have learned so much from you, and am so happy that you all are doing so well.&nbsp; Thank you, Brigid, for adopting these sweet souls and for all your patience, love and care. &nbsp;And for providing most of the lovely pics which are in this blogpost:) And thank you to Eileen, and of course to Bideawee, for helping make this adventure possible:)<br /><br />PS. I encourage everyone with a shy, fearful or feral&nbsp;cat to check my recommendations for acclimating a shy cat on my <a href="http://healingenergyforanimals.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.&nbsp; There are some more in-depth descriptions and links there that could be helpful for you and your cat(s).<br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/mNdQaXQLCdM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com1http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2018/03/from-fearful-and-hiding-to-cuddling-and.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-89685213354884645162018-02-05T10:52:00.004-05:002018-02-05T11:10:27.322-05:00Listening and Following Intuition: Exatias (and Friends Bandit, Sherrie and Amana) at Bideawee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UhbtXYzLgxE/WnhwC-uGlvI/AAAAAAAAFZE/6z9560asolEnq1O7ig0avVQfMlQYXWh8QCLcBGAs/s1600/bideawee12-28-17exatias%2B%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UhbtXYzLgxE/WnhwC-uGlvI/AAAAAAAAFZE/6z9560asolEnq1O7ig0avVQfMlQYXWh8QCLcBGAs/s320/bideawee12-28-17exatias%2B%252812%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>Exatias, after becoming more at ease</em>﻿</div>Exatias is a handsome kitty who was among a group of cats taken into Bideawee&nbsp;from a hoarder. Most of those cats were super-friendly and were adopted right away.&nbsp; Exatias seemed more feral - very scared of people, and was lashing out at the staff who were trying to care for him while he was in a cage in the Receiving area. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7DFf2WQBqpM/WnhxI9lZiuI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/5CAnetwWRIEf2t_5Q55PqxI_r2cHrmv0gCEwYBhgL/s1600/exatiasearly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="853" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7DFf2WQBqpM/WnhxI9lZiuI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/5CAnetwWRIEf2t_5Q55PqxI_r2cHrmv0gCEwYBhgL/s320/exatiasearly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>Exatias in first session in cage</em>﻿</div>I quietly sat down outside Exatias' closed cage.&nbsp; I think that at first, even speaking to him felt like a lot, he was so scared and reactive to every sound and movement.&nbsp; I first connected with Exatias through Reiki, and slowly felt him beginning to soften his eyes and to relax his body a bit.&nbsp; <br />I have been learning about some of Donna Eden's energy techniques, one of which uses a figure 8 movement of the hands.&nbsp; This feels like something that is both centering and connecting.&nbsp; I began to do a figure 8 with my hand below the cage, out of Exatias' view, with the 8 going sideways, really more like an infinity sign.&nbsp; The motion would go towards him, then towards me.&nbsp; I kept imagining that it was connecting our energies.&nbsp; I did this just for a couple of minutes, and when I stopped, I still felt the energy of that motion, and felt it was helping connect us in a very powerful way, along with the Reiki energy.&nbsp; And not in a forced way.&nbsp; I felt our hearts connecting.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjJ86lX_9D8/WnhxHL19BrI/AAAAAAAAFZw/AwoXMG8BK2YtkJHGwI9FS88-kkWkCb2_gCEwYBhgL/s1600/exatiasearly2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="853" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjJ86lX_9D8/WnhxHL19BrI/AAAAAAAAFZw/AwoXMG8BK2YtkJHGwI9FS88-kkWkCb2_gCEwYBhgL/s320/exatiasearly2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After I sat with him quietly for a while, I put a few treats in the cage, rather close to him.&nbsp; At first he wasn't sure, but slowly he began to inspect the treats and eat them. Little by little I put treats closer and closer to me, and, walking low and slowly, he would creep towards them and take them, then retreat to his place at the back.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0e2pQT8jyR8/WnhxC1Tss4I/AAAAAAAAFZ8/wVIwEXPrAfQr8UNs0TS74WdGD5E3yGczgCEwYBhgL/s1600/esatiasearlytop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="853" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0e2pQT8jyR8/WnhxC1Tss4I/AAAAAAAAFZ8/wVIwEXPrAfQr8UNs0TS74WdGD5E3yGczgCEwYBhgL/s320/esatiasearlytop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I kept letting the Reiki flow, and did more of the figure 8s with him again.&nbsp; Slowly, he crept up to the top of the Kuranda bed and laid down tentatively at first, but then relaxing there.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBOBe3dajmo/WnhxAYUjc6I/AAAAAAAAFaA/IzknUrOQqkM8rxInn2UfVM7pohplpNR8QCEwYBhgL/s1600/esatiasearlylaydown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="853" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBOBe3dajmo/WnhxAYUjc6I/AAAAAAAAFaA/IzknUrOQqkM8rxInn2UfVM7pohplpNR8QCEwYBhgL/s320/esatiasearlylaydown.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Then I just sat with him with Reiki for a while longer.&nbsp; He looked more settled, more at ease.<br />Soon he was moved to a room upstairs with cats who I had worked with a long time, so that was great.&nbsp; In the beginning, I think it was just Bandit and Sherrie there.&nbsp; They are both former ferals who I adore, and who have grown to trust me and who are quite comfortable with touch. I will have to write more about them in a separate post soon!<br />I had heard that Exatias was scared and lunging at people.&nbsp; So I walked in slowly and sat down.&nbsp; <br />I put one of my paintbrushes near him, and he began to play with it.&nbsp; <em>He wanted to play!</em><br />So I got a string toy, and began a bit of gentle play with him.&nbsp; He quickly came near me, and seemed to want to be close by me.&nbsp; The toy was helping him to be more comfortable.&nbsp; I started to work out a process where he would come towards me with the toy, then when he would settle near me, I could stroke him just a couple of times with my hand or the paintbrush (usually my hand, as he often thinks the paintbrush is a toy).&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ECJt6r2UQEk/Wnh4T8ts3AI/AAAAAAAAFa0/ey5_sYnSipgRwsvxEP5GRmMHvjB2fm4IgCLcBGAs/s1600/bideawee1-1-18exatias%2B%252816%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ECJt6r2UQEk/Wnh4T8ts3AI/AAAAAAAAFa0/ey5_sYnSipgRwsvxEP5GRmMHvjB2fm4IgCLcBGAs/s320/bideawee1-1-18exatias%2B%252816%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />I would not generally combine playtime energy with a relaxing modality like TTouch or Reiki, but this process worked for him.&nbsp; <em>Which reminded me that I always have to be open to what the cat is telling me, and to follow my intuition and be open to experimenting. </em><br />Cats are so individual.&nbsp; We need to be sensitive to what is going to be most beneficial for them, rather than having a set agenda in mind.&nbsp; As someone recently put it in a conversation with me, socialization is not a "one size fits all" type of process, but is usually a combination of strategies that can help the cat to connect with us and trust us.&nbsp; In their own time schedule and on their own terms.&nbsp; What works for one cat may not work at all for another cat, and what works one day for one cat may not work the next.&nbsp; So we always need to be flexible and open.<br />The Reiki precepts are so wise and so helpful to keep in mind when working with animals:&nbsp; For today only, do not anger, do not worry, be humble, be honest, be compassionate.&nbsp; With those precepts always in mind, we can be truly in the moment with an animal, and open to what we can find in our connection with them.&nbsp; Reiki is always flowing during the session, and is always in my heart and in the center of whatever other modalities I may be combining with it. <br />I would only do a few strokes or TTouches, and then wait to see if he would settle or wanted to play more.&nbsp; Any time he looked like he was unsure, I would distract him with the toy for a bit, and that immediately helped.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAPutANOfj4/Wnhwjx2P6wI/AAAAAAAAFZs/_rFC6FoV2eIlvrlmFnI5Ay6XMp1OpncKgCEwYBhgL/s1600/bideawee1-20-18exatias%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAPutANOfj4/Wnhwjx2P6wI/AAAAAAAAFZs/_rFC6FoV2eIlvrlmFnI5Ay6XMp1OpncKgCEwYBhgL/s320/bideawee1-20-18exatias%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />I was still working very slowly and carefully, as I did not want him to get overstimulated and swat at my hand like it was a toy.&nbsp; But I would start to stroke him with my hand behind his head, not coming towards it, and that was working.&nbsp; Little by little he began settling more and more.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4MMxpuL3ZA/Wnh4H1mLJnI/AAAAAAAAFaw/wkHdK5Ka9OY84coZkq1rHIuSz1WhuGAjwCEwYBhgL/s1600/bideawee1-1-18exatias%2B%252813%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4MMxpuL3ZA/Wnh4H1mLJnI/AAAAAAAAFaw/wkHdK5Ka9OY84coZkq1rHIuSz1WhuGAjwCEwYBhgL/s320/bideawee1-1-18exatias%2B%252813%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I would often come in and just put down my paintbrush near him and that seemed to calm him and we got started.<br />And, over a couple of weeks, we were able to stop using the toy, and I would just come down and sit on the floor.&nbsp; I could sit near him and gently begin to stroke or TTouch him.&nbsp; Or, increasingly, he would come and sit near me.&nbsp; It was as if he was slowly discovering that he could be comfortable being close with a person, and even enjoy the contact:)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEILrqOuZ4o/Wnhw78Qx3YI/AAAAAAAAFaI/yo0Lyvh747o6AwIjEsYADkZzhe0qG7OBwCEwYBhgL/s1600/bideawee1-4-17exatias%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEILrqOuZ4o/Wnhw78Qx3YI/AAAAAAAAFaI/yo0Lyvh747o6AwIjEsYADkZzhe0qG7OBwCEwYBhgL/s320/bideawee1-4-17exatias%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Generally when I come into the room, both Bandit and Sherrie approach me, so he started to do the same thing.&nbsp; I think that their comfort level with me was definitely helpful in showing him that I was ok. <br />Now he is coming right up to me and pushing his face into my hand!.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sLsvaKk8ww/WnhxHyInDsI/AAAAAAAAFaE/8lorTsDeIqMN2hR-9xO2fsYNH__jLoYhACEwYBhgL/s1600/bideawee1-9-17exatias%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sLsvaKk8ww/WnhxHyInDsI/AAAAAAAAFaE/8lorTsDeIqMN2hR-9xO2fsYNH__jLoYhACEwYBhgL/s320/bideawee1-9-17exatias%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The next thing that happened is that Amana, who was a shy cat who had been recently returned, was brought upstairs and was to be slowly introduced into the room.&nbsp; She had a cone on her head from ear surgery, so she stayed in the cage til she could have the cone off.&nbsp; I would sit and work with her in the cage and the others would come near me.&nbsp; It was a great way to get everyone used to each other before actually being in the same space without the cage.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGBwicsTkeQ/Wnh3o7heaJI/AAAAAAAAFas/S3nyjUJIgLckOfYiX7PbEZWe59owgcHggCEwYBhgL/s1600/amana%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGBwicsTkeQ/Wnh3o7heaJI/AAAAAAAAFas/S3nyjUJIgLckOfYiX7PbEZWe59owgcHggCEwYBhgL/s320/amana%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Amana</em></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>I had worked with Amana before she was brought into the cage in the room, and she was quite at ease with me when I had worked with her in the cage, purring and rubbing against my hand.&nbsp; The staff were unsure as to how Amana would act with the other cats.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhjxdSx814c/Wnh3Fc-f1AI/AAAAAAAAFac/eq0cXTPZMUMrv-3pacCZM3RVxASYzZx2wCEwYBhgL/s1600/bideawee1-25-18exatiasbanditsherrie%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhjxdSx814c/Wnh3Fc-f1AI/AAAAAAAAFac/eq0cXTPZMUMrv-3pacCZM3RVxASYzZx2wCEwYBhgL/s320/bideawee1-25-18exatiasbanditsherrie%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Sherrie, Bandit and Exatias</em></div>I do think that the fact I had worked with all of these cats extensively, and that they are comfortable with me helped them in the introduction as well.&nbsp;&nbsp; I sat outside Amana's cage and would work with her in the cage with one hand, and TTouch the others as they came near me, using my other hand.&nbsp; The other three cats readily came up to me, in close proximity to Amana, and everyone seemed all right with each other.&nbsp; Reiki was flowing the whole time, as usual:)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3GoDJ62RAUs/WnhwNxO0oZI/AAAAAAAAFZs/SejcT7XL16smMj5mSoWXn34_1pIPSWBRACEwYBhgL/s1600/bideawee1-25-18exatiasbanditsherrie%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3GoDJ62RAUs/WnhwNxO0oZI/AAAAAAAAFZs/SejcT7XL16smMj5mSoWXn34_1pIPSWBRACEwYBhgL/s320/bideawee1-25-18exatiasbanditsherrie%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>Bandit and Exatias</em>﻿</div>Amana is now out of a cage and doing really well.&nbsp;There is good vertical space in the room, so everyone can find their own comfortable places.&nbsp; Amana tends to stay up high, but lately when I have gone in the room, she comes down to ground level and all four of them gather around me, which is really sweet. In the following photo, you will see Exatias settled next to me, and Bandit and Sherrie lined up for Reiki.&nbsp; Amana is sitting close to me out of the camera's view, on my left side.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JwAqCh9Hluc/Wnhw4g8hc6I/AAAAAAAAFZ8/AgQ0IcXkl3kkjkDwRDowCeP6faJxsiW_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/bideawee1-29-18exatiassherriebandit%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JwAqCh9Hluc/Wnhw4g8hc6I/AAAAAAAAFZ8/AgQ0IcXkl3kkjkDwRDowCeP6faJxsiW_ACEwYBhgL/s320/bideawee1-29-18exatiassherriebandit%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>Sherrie, Bandit and Exatias (Amana is to my left out of view.&nbsp; <br />You can see that my paintbrush is close by.&nbsp; Sherrie loves being stroked with the paintbrush.</em>﻿</div><br />Here&nbsp;are two videos showing my progress with Exatias, and his comfort level with his roommates.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cfLF6GVC6VY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cfLF6GVC6VY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The second video was shot with a different camera, and focuses on his progress once he was in the room.&nbsp; He loves being brushed with a mini jelly scrubber brush.&nbsp;Often he will be comfortable with me brushing him as he is eating.&nbsp;&nbsp; First, here is a still, followed by a video.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bLRy0lysEKY/Wnhwls8SumI/AAAAAAAAFaA/SuKkK2Dc5pEDufISHUWx-g1V9GqyN9yJgCEwYBhgL/s1600/bideawee1-1-18exatias%2B%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bLRy0lysEKY/Wnhwls8SumI/AAAAAAAAFaA/SuKkK2Dc5pEDufISHUWx-g1V9GqyN9yJgCEwYBhgL/s320/bideawee1-1-18exatias%2B%25286%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a horse-grooming tool, but a lot of cats enjoy it as well because it is soft.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">﻿<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3IbaP1f4kzA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3IbaP1f4kzA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>The staff members and a few other volunteers are starting to be able to pet him now, and to have more connection with him, which is great.&nbsp; Staff member Annie said she was able to pick him up, and so of course I had to give it a try.&nbsp; I know he looks a little funny here, but he was in a bit of awkward position as I had to hold my phone with one hand to take a photo:)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ajPCk4EzKU/Wnhw-BA0OqI/AAAAAAAAFaI/Nv8quGBiBHsAGl-3kevNINSlHiwQyQo1gCEwYBhgL/s1600/bideawee2-1-18meandexatias%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ajPCk4EzKU/Wnhw-BA0OqI/AAAAAAAAFaI/Nv8quGBiBHsAGl-3kevNINSlHiwQyQo1gCEwYBhgL/s320/bideawee2-1-18meandexatias%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Exatias was recently moved into a different room, with some new kitty friends, where he will get more exposure to potential adopters.&nbsp; Hoping that this sweet,&nbsp;and very individual&nbsp;kitty will be adopted into a wonderful home soon.&nbsp; <br />Thank you Exatias, for reminding me to always be open, humble and to listen.&nbsp; And thanks, as always, to all those at Bideawee for all the love and care they show to Exatias and to all the animals every day. :) xoxo<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/a8gIkh3vArY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2018/02/listening-and-following-intuition.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-22601497436281981702018-01-29T13:02:00.001-05:002018-01-29T13:02:12.173-05:00Happy Update re Bubbles the Kitten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xsV67Wr_IR8/Wm8ww8oEq6I/AAAAAAAAFYs/fYmC6f776kUCbAFnzk_eIDmIJs_KiliRgCLcBGAs/s1600/bubblesfromethan%2B%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="705" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xsV67Wr_IR8/Wm8ww8oEq6I/AAAAAAAAFYs/fYmC6f776kUCbAFnzk_eIDmIJs_KiliRgCLcBGAs/s320/bubblesfromethan%2B%25286%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bubbles is a dear kitten who was at BARC Shelter.&nbsp; I spent a lot of time with him with Reiki (both in person and remotely) and TTouch, and he had been in very rough shape, and we formed and incredibly deep bond.&nbsp; When I previously wrote about Bubbles (<a href="http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/12/listening-through-heart-connection.html">http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/12/listening-through-heart-connection.html</a>), he was rallying after some really tough health issues, but still not quite out of the woods. I wanted to share a happy update that he became healthy and strong, and recently was adopted into a loving home:)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He&nbsp;is living with a lovely couple and their sweet dog.&nbsp; Bubbles&nbsp;has been re-named Juno, and is adjusting well to the apartment and to his new dog friend as well.&nbsp; He is eating well, playing a lot, and&nbsp;having a joyful existence!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Much love to you, little guy, will always remember you and love you, and I am so happy for you!&nbsp; May you have a beautiful life!&nbsp; And many thanks to the lovely people and dear dog who opened their hearts and home to him:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPnO5J3Cs7w/Wm8xABSPhzI/AAAAAAAAFYw/LKZ4tIejpscX82h6LNxXgVDRxtxd-VPjwCLcBGAs/s1600/bubblesfromethan%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPnO5J3Cs7w/Wm8xABSPhzI/AAAAAAAAFYw/LKZ4tIejpscX82h6LNxXgVDRxtxd-VPjwCLcBGAs/s320/bubblesfromethan%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/6-mLfGdKwdI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2018/01/happy-update-re-bubbles-kitten.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-47808534625320233362018-01-23T13:53:00.003-05:002018-01-23T14:04:13.541-05:00Celebrating Each Day: Reiki with Brooklyn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--czy2_DQjB0/WmeCCssTx9I/AAAAAAAAFXo/oFlGvfig2AQOWbQsN51pEdorI82bfBRLQCLcBGAs/s1600/12-15-17brooklynccrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--czy2_DQjB0/WmeCCssTx9I/AAAAAAAAFXo/oFlGvfig2AQOWbQsN51pEdorI82bfBRLQCLcBGAs/s320/12-15-17brooklynccrop.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><br />I was called to work with dear Brooklyn, a sweet senior Mastiff, because her people, Monica and Ignacio, thought she was very near the end of her life and they wanted to give her whatever comfort they could.&nbsp; She had been taken to the vet for examination and tests, and had been found to have cancer, which had caused fluids to build up in her body, greatly affecting her breathing and mobility.&nbsp; At this point she was not able to walk on her own. The vet thought perhaps she would have a couple of more days at most.<br />In the first session with Brooklyn, Monica sat with her and petted her to make sure she was at ease, since I was a new person.&nbsp; I sat a short distance from them.&nbsp; Brooklyn fairly quickly relaxed into the energy.&nbsp; At times her breathing was rapid, but I could see it start slowing down.&nbsp; I imagined peace and light surrounding them, and began silently chanting the Reiki symbols.&nbsp; I felt her connecting with the energy, and since she is a very large dog, I felt the bigness and power of that energy as well.&nbsp; I felt the room filling with the light and energy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UfSQTdHiPc/WmeCNwShGNI/AAAAAAAAFYE/cx3tCzrHzQ0rWQCnEjQ_Qkl-c23DFhAwwCEwYBhgL/s1600/12-15-17brooklyntommylukacrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UfSQTdHiPc/WmeCNwShGNI/AAAAAAAAFYE/cx3tCzrHzQ0rWQCnEjQ_Qkl-c23DFhAwwCEwYBhgL/s320/12-15-17brooklyntommylukacrop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />By the end of the session, I felt her quite peaceful.&nbsp; I also felt the atmosphere of the space in the apartment peaceful as well.&nbsp; There are two sweet, beautiful&nbsp;cats in the household, Luca and Tommy.&nbsp; Tommy is usually very shy with strangers, yet they had both come out to see what was going on.&nbsp; <br />At this point, we did not know what was going to happen, but we made another appointment for the following day.&nbsp; We ended up doing several days in a row.&nbsp; Particularly when an animal is in a precarious condition, it can be really helpful to have at least several appointments very close to one another.&nbsp; And I felt Brooklyn's strength and personality coming more forward with each session.&nbsp; Her breathing started looking more normal, the swelling in her leg went down, and by the following week she was able to walk on her own again.<br />Often, particularly in the early sessions, I visualized Brooklyn running and running in grass.&nbsp; It was amazing to hear she was able to walk again, and these days she even wants to run and play.<br />Here is a photo from one of these sessions that Ignacio took - it looks as though Reiki energy is coming in as light from the window!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXsknoGDfHg/WmeCeUO2BWI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/LuicEMc_N6U41id4MYO9OIInFuFpukorQCEwYBhgL/s1600/12-21-17brooklyn%2B007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXsknoGDfHg/WmeCeUO2BWI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/LuicEMc_N6U41id4MYO9OIInFuFpukorQCEwYBhgL/s320/12-21-17brooklyn%2B007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />I think it is important to share that one cannot know what will happen with Reiki, but that it will always help on some level.&nbsp; At the very least, in this situation it provides more peace and comfort for the animal, and in a best case scenario, it can help an animal with a terminal disease to have more quality time.&nbsp; So in Brooklyn's case, her people are aware of her medical status, but are embracing each day with her, and I am so happy that she has been able to come back from the precarious situation she was in a month ago when I first started working with her.&nbsp; I am happy for every good day that she can have, and every beautiful moment she can have with her family.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwVeQUMi_WI/WmeB3Myb81I/AAAAAAAAFYE/18ByZWbHSX4Payk_kQSFgTz9izodX3dfwCEwYBhgL/s1600/1-11-18brooklynreiki%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwVeQUMi_WI/WmeB3Myb81I/AAAAAAAAFYE/18ByZWbHSX4Payk_kQSFgTz9izodX3dfwCEwYBhgL/s320/1-11-18brooklynreiki%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />It is now a month after the vet had said she would only have two more days -- and at the moment she is doing very well:)&nbsp; Monica says that if they didn't know she had cancer, they would just think she was just having some old-age issues like arthritis.&nbsp; Brooklyn's energy continues to feel strong when I see her.&nbsp; Apparently she wants to run and play a lot now - in fact, her people have to calm her down so that she doesn't overexert herself.<br />We are continuing to do regular sessions - one distant session and one in-person session every week, and that seems to be working well for her at present.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UUUnbJikBng/WmeAGQdKWaI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/hSq9pb6UkY48ja271RW-AMPnN1z79sxqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/1-23-18distantreikibrooklyn%2B009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UUUnbJikBng/WmeAGQdKWaI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/hSq9pb6UkY48ja271RW-AMPnN1z79sxqgCEwYBhgL/s320/1-23-18distantreikibrooklyn%2B009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />As they often do, my cats have been joining me for the distant sessions with Brooklyn.&nbsp; It feels like they add to the energy - that they send their healing vibes as well.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSPFuc8ZztU/WmeD4AmuYJI/AAAAAAAAFYU/UYJNG4FFDvUnTfFBQ9SZyqw9P8cec6ciACLcBGAs/s1600/12-29-17reikibklynnatlulu%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSPFuc8ZztU/WmeD4AmuYJI/AAAAAAAAFYU/UYJNG4FFDvUnTfFBQ9SZyqw9P8cec6ciACLcBGAs/s320/12-29-17reikibklynnatlulu%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />And again, it is interesting to note that in the distant sessions as well as the in-person sessions, I feel the bigness of Brooklyn's energy.&nbsp; It truly feels like she is present with us during the sessions.&nbsp; Energy knows no boundaries, so Reiki's power can be felt no matter how close or how far away you might be from another being. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tbk58zKXH0k/WmeCiapx9OI/AAAAAAAAFYA/RsMvF9YbBkYIWl6OLSiK-nxxhYmKvsjwACEwYBhgL/s1600/12-21-17brooklyn%2B005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tbk58zKXH0k/WmeCiapx9OI/AAAAAAAAFYA/RsMvF9YbBkYIWl6OLSiK-nxxhYmKvsjwACEwYBhgL/s320/12-21-17brooklyn%2B005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />During the in-person sessions, one or the other of the cats, or sometimes both of them come around.&nbsp; Brooklyn is not so crazy about the cats coming close, but the cats love her, and usually one or the other of them finds a spot that is an acceptable distance away so that they can be nearby. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1RAkUvanSI/WmeCcKaYzwI/AAAAAAAAFYM/yR22QcO-rT0CXq7H9m9LPOKpB5vh5VcDwCEwYBhgL/s1600/1-11-18brooklynreiki%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1RAkUvanSI/WmeCcKaYzwI/AAAAAAAAFYM/yR22QcO-rT0CXq7H9m9LPOKpB5vh5VcDwCEwYBhgL/s320/1-11-18brooklynreiki%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The cats came to the household in such an incredibly moving way - Brooklyn discovered the two of them, abandoned in a carrier in the garbage:(&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKOn7_v8Uso/WmeEQpkzbxI/AAAAAAAAFYY/3ULQmpxs0XsO7etIGbRPeO4Ubbr0yEMbACLcBGAs/s1600/12-15-17tommycrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKOn7_v8Uso/WmeEQpkzbxI/AAAAAAAAFYY/3ULQmpxs0XsO7etIGbRPeO4Ubbr0yEMbACLcBGAs/s320/12-15-17tommycrop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>Tommy</em>﻿</div>Monica and Ignacio kindly took them into their loving home. I know that the cats are eternally grateful.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kslKgLVNwfg/WmeBocbfu8I/AAAAAAAAFYE/mWlYJ6C-9SwkMz-mcfe5s2fFs70oq-wWQCEwYBhgL/s1600/1-11-18brooklynreiki%2B%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kslKgLVNwfg/WmeBocbfu8I/AAAAAAAAFYE/mWlYJ6C-9SwkMz-mcfe5s2fFs70oq-wWQCEwYBhgL/s320/1-11-18brooklynreiki%2B%25285%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>Luca</em>﻿</div>Brooklyn is sensitive and attentive to sounds she hears, and at times it takes her a bit to settle, but eventually she always does, and there is such a palpable feeling of love and peace filling the room.&nbsp; I feel light and energy flowing through her body, and filling the room as well.<br />Either one or both of her people are always present for the session, and I think that gives her a feeling of safety as well.&nbsp; Brooklyn wants whichever one of them who is home to stay in the room with us during Reiki, so that is what we do:) I usually incorporate some TTouch and/or Debono Moves into the session as well, to add to Brooklyn's comfort.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFg1KXSbHvg/WmeBzzsQihI/AAAAAAAAFX0/X42AusoaXpY9TlvH4yW8bpeL5J74CvGmgCEwYBhgL/s1600/1-20-18brooklyn%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFg1KXSbHvg/WmeBzzsQihI/AAAAAAAAFX0/X42AusoaXpY9TlvH4yW8bpeL5J74CvGmgCEwYBhgL/s320/1-20-18brooklyn%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Thank you Brooklyn!&nbsp; I love every session I share with you, and here's to more comfortable days ahead for you. And thank you to Monica, Ignacio, Tommy and Luca for being such a loving family for her xoxo<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/T6DaZR6k0eU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2018/01/celebrating-each-day-reiki-with-brooklyn.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-34096598032923899012017-12-13T17:21:00.000-05:002018-01-29T13:03:20.775-05:00Listening Through a Heart Connection, Being Open to Receiving: Sharing the Reiki Space with Bubbles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rx9Pf5yRlHY/WjGkvnYtNGI/AAAAAAAAFV8/YyEQWtO3DDk4ra6_214llxP-NhGfmCsUACLcBGAs/s1600/barc12-1-17bubbles%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1124" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rx9Pf5yRlHY/WjGkvnYtNGI/AAAAAAAAFV8/YyEQWtO3DDk4ra6_214llxP-NhGfmCsUACLcBGAs/s320/barc12-1-17bubbles%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="224" /></a></div>&nbsp; <br />Bubbles is a tiny kitten with a huge spirit who was found on the street all alone, and was fortunately brought to BARC Shelter.&nbsp; I immediately connected with his very direct and sweet eyes and very gentle disposition.<br /><br />He arrived emaciated and with some health problems that have been and are being addressed.&nbsp; He had gotten more healthy, but then seemed to take a nose dive, losing weight (he is estimated at four months old but was only about a pound and a half) and not eating well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45HcLrhaZas/WjGlCOz2BOI/AAAAAAAAFWA/HPO0eCqBUC49l1qrWO0uM16K-JBzDv4lQCLcBGAs/s1600/barc11-21-17bubbles%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45HcLrhaZas/WjGlCOz2BOI/AAAAAAAAFWA/HPO0eCqBUC49l1qrWO0uM16K-JBzDv4lQCLcBGAs/s320/barc11-21-17bubbles%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Meds and force feeding were helping him, but of course I felt a kinship with him and wanted to help him in any way that I could with the work that I do.<br /><br />I had been working with him in the shelter, but I also began doing distant Reiki sessions with him, which sometimes felt even more powerful than those which I did in the shelter.<br /><br />I had been very concerned about him - we all feared the worst, that he was declining and would perish soon.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OAok-ewAmg/WjGlmKS2QaI/AAAAAAAAFWc/JsMwFQ0CoCwh8mGyQXn03LczjJOb9ONjgCEwYBhgL/s1600/12-10-17reikibubblesnatlulu%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OAok-ewAmg/WjGlmKS2QaI/AAAAAAAAFWc/JsMwFQ0CoCwh8mGyQXn03LczjJOb9ONjgCEwYBhgL/s320/12-10-17reikibubblesnatlulu%2B003.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />On a Saturday night after working with him in the shelter, I connected with Bubbles.&nbsp; I had my own two cats, Lulu and Natalia, on either side of me, which is usually the case when I do my distant Reiki sessions.&nbsp; I think they give energy to others and receive energy for themselves as well during the sessions.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfqkIr295hA/WjGlSdrNgaI/AAAAAAAAFWc/UpYKOxEgBNgs2cHCHxUUNjVUR7VsKp5jgCEwYBhgL/s1600/12-8-17lulu%2Breiki%2B001%2B%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfqkIr295hA/WjGlSdrNgaI/AAAAAAAAFWc/UpYKOxEgBNgs2cHCHxUUNjVUR7VsKp5jgCEwYBhgL/s320/12-8-17lulu%2Breiki%2B001%2B%25289%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I had a photo of Bubbles in my lap.&nbsp; As I connected with him, I felt him larger than life and strong.&nbsp; I felt the energy flowing to him and back to me, an energy of love and of light, of healing.&nbsp; I felt he was telling me that he was going to fight, that he wanted to be here, that he was stronger than I thought.&nbsp; I felt such beautiful energy from him expanding through my heart, and I felt so much love for this little creature.&nbsp; I knew in reality how tiny he was, but I could feel that his spirit was so much bigger than that.&nbsp; At times I felt it filling the whole room.<br /><br />And images came to me of Bubbles as an adult cat.&nbsp; Happy and sitting on my lap.&nbsp; Our hearts connecting in this moment. <br /><br />I told him that I would love him forever.&nbsp; No matter how long or short a time he was here, I would always remember him, and always love him.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yvd2mcSkHZw/WjGlmrAjo2I/AAAAAAAAFWc/sOLhzqCfLEQE4kJJjl4RnCXmP4v9ieS0wCEwYBhgL/s1600/barc12-8-17bubbles%2B%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="800" height="204" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yvd2mcSkHZw/WjGlmrAjo2I/AAAAAAAAFWc/sOLhzqCfLEQE4kJJjl4RnCXmP4v9ieS0wCEwYBhgL/s320/barc12-8-17bubbles%2B%252818%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />The next time I saw Bubbles, he seemed more present and stronger.&nbsp; He was starting to eat a bit more.&nbsp; I could feel he was starting to come back.<br /><br />In the in person sessions we do both TTouch and Reiki, and he responds so much to both modalities.&nbsp; He puts his head back and stretches his body out, relaxing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vODYZuVgOjs/WjGmc1sFiiI/AAAAAAAAFW0/t-_gXbzrx2YFjublFKkUDU9TGUawyk6uwCEwYBhgL/s1600/bubblesdrawingsedit%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1069" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vODYZuVgOjs/WjGmc1sFiiI/AAAAAAAAFW0/t-_gXbzrx2YFjublFKkUDU9TGUawyk6uwCEwYBhgL/s320/bubblesdrawingsedit%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />I also did a couple of drawings of Bubbles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1WW5_lXRJAY/WjGmiG4Tg0I/AAAAAAAAFW0/pQmf_uSMgDw9Z--PqWIS_XUyPuWvCehMwCEwYBhgL/s1600/bubblesdrawingsedit%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1WW5_lXRJAY/WjGmiG4Tg0I/AAAAAAAAFW0/pQmf_uSMgDw9Z--PqWIS_XUyPuWvCehMwCEwYBhgL/s320/bubblesdrawingsedit%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>This helped me to connect with him in a similar way - connecting with his very essence. <br /><br /><br />And then a few days later, when I saw him in person again, he was stronger still - eating more, gaining some weight and finally having some solid poops (people who have animals, you know how reassuring that can be!).&nbsp; When I came to his cage, he looked right at me and came right to the front of the cage.&nbsp; He seemed relaxed, yet very alert, and during our session was looking straight at me with such sweet and loving eyes.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AbZdA-8KjmM/WjGlfkZ-x7I/AAAAAAAAFWc/JLb98MP2ivs6UJGNxscEG4RGo8YOLrxrACEwYBhgL/s1600/barc12-12-17bubbles%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AbZdA-8KjmM/WjGlfkZ-x7I/AAAAAAAAFWc/JLb98MP2ivs6UJGNxscEG4RGo8YOLrxrACEwYBhgL/s320/barc12-12-17bubbles%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />And in our most recent session, he began purring as I did TTouch with him - purring and rubbing into my hands:)<br /><br />And again, I have that feeling and message to him, that I will always love him, that we are here together, it is beautiful, and that he is loved and he is safe. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lGp_f-wHb88/WjGlm7r2QNI/AAAAAAAAFWc/373VZ2d4Wt8lO4HLcABKamNs1IzAFoSIQCEwYBhgL/s1600/barc12-12-17bubbles%2B%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lGp_f-wHb88/WjGlm7r2QNI/AAAAAAAAFWc/373VZ2d4Wt8lO4HLcABKamNs1IzAFoSIQCEwYBhgL/s320/barc12-12-17bubbles%2B%25287%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />We still don't know if he is totally out of the woods, but what I have felt from him is that he is happy, is is here, and he loves being here.&nbsp; No matter how short or long a time that is, it is really OK.&nbsp; That he is so grateful for all the love and care he is receiving from all of us.&nbsp; That he feels loved and is so grateful.<br /><br />It is such a moving message, and it reminds me to be humble, to appreciate all that I have, all the love and beauty that I experience each and every day with him and with the other wonderful beings who I connect with.&nbsp; I am getting older, and sometimes I become worried because I know that my time on this earth is not infinite, and there is so much I still want to do.&nbsp; But being reminded to appreciate each moment and really be in that moment is perhaps one of the most important lessons any of us can learn.<br /><br />Through the work that I do, I know that the healing and wisdom which I receive from the animals is so deep and so powerful.&nbsp; I am eternally grateful to them for the honor of sharing space with them. <br /><br />Many thanks to you, Bubbles.&nbsp; May you grow and flourish and have a beautiful and full life!&nbsp; And thank you to all my BARC friends who give such love and care to the animals every day.<br /><br />PS as of 1-29-18.&nbsp; A happy update:&nbsp; After this post, Bubbles became healthy and strong, was adopted into a loving home and is doing great!&nbsp; See my more recent post about this:)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/y7f62WCtZXY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/12/listening-through-heart-connection.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-86029696265029551212017-11-25T12:45:00.001-05:002017-11-25T12:52:38.255-05:00Sharing a Space of Love, Peace and Gratitude with Chelsea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ss9yKhDuIuM/WhmnBvrA6JI/AAAAAAAAFUc/_o1oPzPFZ6EBDKIkEa5fvQe7BmmAtAchgCLcBGAs/s1600/barc9-12-17chelsea%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ss9yKhDuIuM/WhmnBvrA6JI/AAAAAAAAFUc/_o1oPzPFZ6EBDKIkEa5fvQe7BmmAtAchgCLcBGAs/s320/barc9-12-17chelsea%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />Chelsea was a quiet, shy senior kitty who was returned to BARC Shelter along with his senior kitty friend Chloe.&nbsp; Chloe is very outgoing, so the return to the shelter was not as traumatic for her, but Chelsea really took it hard.&nbsp; Initially, he was lashing out at anyone who tried to approach him.<br /><br />Sadly, he also became very ill, as he and Chloe both probably had compromised immune systems due to their age, combined with the stress of returning to a shelter environment after a lifetime of living in a home.&nbsp; At one point, Chelsea stopped eating, which was really scary.&nbsp; The wonderful cat loft staff started hand feeding him, and after trying numerous foods, I happened to find a cat food that he loved.&nbsp; So I brought a bunch of cans for him every time I went to the shelter.&nbsp; So little by little we did coax him back to eating again, and he seemed to reach a bit of a holding pattern for a while.<br /><br />I am always drawn to shy cats and older cats, and I connected with Chelsea's soulful, wise spirit immediately.&nbsp; I knew that what others saw as aggression was his extreme fear.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-no5aB9Ghll8/WhmoZ6fAcBI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/6A8SXHhl7AoGWiybZxpX-YPDk52n8LQmwCEwYBhgL/s1600/barc10-27-17chelseareikittouch%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-no5aB9Ghll8/WhmoZ6fAcBI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/6A8SXHhl7AoGWiybZxpX-YPDk52n8LQmwCEwYBhgL/s320/barc10-27-17chelseareikittouch%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I worked with Chelsea very quietly and gradually.&nbsp; I started our sessions by sharing Reiki with him from outside the cage.&nbsp; I quieted myself down, to start with, which is SO important, especially with scared animals.&nbsp; Quieting my mind and my body so that I could hear and see and feel what he was feeling.<br /><br />In the beginning, he would sit in the litter box or in the back of the cage.&nbsp; As I let the Reiki flow, I could see him start to relax and get sleepy.&nbsp; After letting him relax with Reiki for a while, I would sometimes stroke him a bit with a paintbrush.&nbsp; If he was hesitant, I would pause and go back to letting the Reiki flow again.&nbsp; He started being more comfortable with the paintbrush after a while, and started to lean his face into it.&nbsp; He almost looked as though he was smiling when he did that.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I spoke softly to him, letting him know he was safe, and that I loved him.&nbsp; I visualized light all around him, and welcomed him to connect with the light as much as he wished.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C87P6FhiXHc/Whmoc7yy5RI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/wZvXHxTFl84TaHEC46mYDX5Bke5IfFcqQCEwYBhgL/s1600/barc10-21-17chelseareiki%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C87P6FhiXHc/Whmoc7yy5RI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/wZvXHxTFl84TaHEC46mYDX5Bke5IfFcqQCEwYBhgL/s320/barc10-21-17chelseareiki%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />He began to recognize me, and to realize that we were going to work gently and quietly.&nbsp; I could feel him connect with the Reiki energy more deeply each time, often going completely to sleep.&nbsp; I felt a bubble of this peaceful space around us.&nbsp; And his friend Chloe, who you see in the photo in the next cage below, would also respond to the calm energy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtH-Wg4WI8s/WhmpFFSBQlI/AAAAAAAAFVU/NgjzeJYHevk6n7xo4GSVVFEISkAEFeFRACEwYBhgL/s1600/barc11-7-17chelseaandchloereiki%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtH-Wg4WI8s/WhmpFFSBQlI/AAAAAAAAFVU/NgjzeJYHevk6n7xo4GSVVFEISkAEFeFRACEwYBhgL/s320/barc11-7-17chelseaandchloereiki%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />And he started hanging out further towards the front of the cage.&nbsp; He also would sometimes enjoy treats, so I would see if I could get him to come a bit closer for the treats.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7j1fH5djWU8/WhmpIgUwoQI/AAAAAAAAFVY/WLeY9I_srCETH4GqR-tBikacoh8LqR-ZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/barcchelsea9-20-17%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7j1fH5djWU8/WhmpIgUwoQI/AAAAAAAAFVY/WLeY9I_srCETH4GqR-tBikacoh8LqR-ZwCEwYBhgL/s320/barcchelsea9-20-17%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />He also was enjoying TTouch more and more, so I started working with him directly with my hand after working with the paintbrush for a while.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIrqFYgUZV0/WhmnfMmiPzI/AAAAAAAAFU4/hhYUP8DBWNsegntVlgML3R0echttLFTKgCEwYBhgL/s1600/barc9-15-17chelseabreakthrough%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIrqFYgUZV0/WhmnfMmiPzI/AAAAAAAAFU4/hhYUP8DBWNsegntVlgML3R0echttLFTKgCEwYBhgL/s320/barc9-15-17chelseabreakthrough%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Below is a link to a video of some clips of me working with him..&nbsp; In the last segment, you will see him start to come towards me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tos6nW3G7V8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tos6nW3G7V8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br />As time went on, we started to realize there had to be something deeper going on with him.&nbsp; Though he was eating again by this point, and was clearly more comfortable emotionally, he still was very gaunt, and we could tell something was going on with him.&nbsp; The vets suspected he had cancer.<br /><br />Reiki works on many levels, so at the very least, it can help provide comfort and optimum balance and, often, more quality time even for an animal who may be quite sick.<br /><br />By this time, I felt so connected with this sweet kitty.&nbsp; I had experiences of closeness with him which were beyond words.&nbsp; I could feel so much love and so much gratitude coming from him. And a sharing of his beautiful soul with me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAs3161MCWw/WhmnN8EoYzI/AAAAAAAAFU4/MRpPn53u7cwFvHYATLvLJshPMPyCYmNoACEwYBhgL/s1600/barc10-3-17chelsea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAs3161MCWw/WhmnN8EoYzI/AAAAAAAAFU4/MRpPn53u7cwFvHYATLvLJshPMPyCYmNoACEwYBhgL/s320/barc10-3-17chelsea.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />There was one day that I was sharing Reiki with him, and I had such an extraordinary moment.&nbsp; I always feel a powerful connection when sharing Reiki, but suddenly I had a feeling that was on another level, and was somehow more complete -- that our souls had completely merged, that there were no boundaries.&nbsp; There was this feeling of longing from him, and then the image I saw was of his chest expanding with sparkling light and I joined him in this timeless place of light.&nbsp; It was a feeling of such pure love.&nbsp; A love and a feeling truly beyond words.&nbsp; It is hard to find the right words to express it, and tears run down my face as I am writing about it and re-experiencing that feeling.&nbsp; He had opened up a place in himself to allow me to be one with him there.&nbsp; And I so gladly went with him there to that place of pure love.&nbsp; I will never forget it.<br /><br />Even when I am sharing Reiki with an animal who is quite ill, they give me healing as well.&nbsp; And certainly Chelsea did.<br /><br />Shortly after that day, when I went to work with him, he would stand up and come towards me.&nbsp; I knew he was working up the courage to get onto my lap.&nbsp; <br /><br />The last time that I saw him, he put two paws in my lap, and looked into my face as if to tell me that he wanted to crawl into my arms and come with me.&nbsp; He had already crawled into my heart in a space where he will always remain. I told him how much I loved him, that I would always love him, that I would always be with him, that I would always love him.<br /><br />I knew that he was not going to be on the earth too much longer, but I hadn't realized that would be the last day I would see him.&nbsp; Sadly, he took a turn for the worse, and the vets realized he had a huge mass inside him, and that he must be in a great deal of discomfort, so they let him go.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Uo4y_G55xs/WhmngTgl6TI/AAAAAAAAFU0/ecBHFptBCIATWrlQBq5X525T-G8LZfnngCEwYBhgL/s1600/drawingchelsea%2B%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="800" height="289" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Uo4y_G55xs/WhmngTgl6TI/AAAAAAAAFU0/ecBHFptBCIATWrlQBq5X525T-G8LZfnngCEwYBhgL/s320/drawingchelsea%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The kind people at BARC let me have Chelsea's ashes, which I brought home with me yesterday, and which are in a special place in my home, with a photo and a drawing I did of him a couple of days ago (the drawing is above).<br /><br />Thank you, dear Chelsea, for giving me so much.&nbsp; For connecting with me with your soul and with your spirit in such a special and sweet way.&nbsp; I know you will always be with me, and I will always love you.<br /><br />And thanks to all my wonderful BARC people, for all your kindness, love and care each and every day. xoxo<br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/ZP39hoVceRY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/11/sharing-peaceful-space-with-chelsea.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-41981761291481830412017-08-28T16:21:00.003-04:002017-08-28T16:21:41.372-04:00Two New Beginnings: Finnegan and Mr. Blue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZULH3LRGD_s/WZxZrGgwa7I/AAAAAAAAFTE/hd81E757zc8_z6QGMVGzlTXCEp-W5e5IACLcBGAs/s1600/finneganfromalisa7-26-17%2B002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZULH3LRGD_s/WZxZrGgwa7I/AAAAAAAAFTE/hd81E757zc8_z6QGMVGzlTXCEp-W5e5IACLcBGAs/s320/finneganfromalisa7-26-17%2B002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Finnegan (above) and Mr. Blue (below) are two sweet, beautiful senior kitties.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sxHxuxWNkGc/WZxb0U_QrZI/AAAAAAAAFTc/E0dMb_HTuxYJ-Abc1TaqNA0xTtjvpPZtACEwYBhgL/s1600/mrblue%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sxHxuxWNkGc/WZxb0U_QrZI/AAAAAAAAFTc/E0dMb_HTuxYJ-Abc1TaqNA0xTtjvpPZtACEwYBhgL/s320/mrblue%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>They both lived happily with Brynne til their current age of 17.&nbsp; Brynne was offered a job in Singapore, so she felt it would be traumatic and hazardous to these older kitties to put them through the stress of the many-hours-long flight, plus a quarantine that would last for days.&nbsp; She said this was an incredibly hard decision to make, but she decided to find a good new home (or, as it turned out, homes) for the kitties.<br /><br />Finnegan went to live with Alisa and her two lovely kitties, and Mr. Blue went to live with Amy, her two (human!) children, plus three other cats. Many blessings to Alisa and Amy for opening their hearts and homes to these older kitties.&nbsp; It can be difficult to find people as kind and generous as they are -- so many people would only take in a very young cat or kitten.<br /><br />Through the networking power of Instagram (which also helped Brynne find Alisa, then Alisa found Amy), Alisa was referred to me and contacted me to come and help Finnegan to feel more comfortable in Alisa's home, and to help all three kitties to feel more comfortable with each other.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />In my first session with Finnegan, he was still in a room separate from the other cats.&nbsp; When I entered the room, he was under the couch, which is where he had been camped out for the few days he had been there.&nbsp; On my way there, I had been sending Reiki to them and to the situation, offering positive energy.&nbsp; I looked under the couch, let him sniff my finger and said hello to him.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0X3y6amQR6Y/WaR2eeaLlLI/AAAAAAAAFUI/zwbPBqRyzyYA4GKaS-VHP9q6owLWxs55gCLcBGAs/s1600/7-18-17finny%2B%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0X3y6amQR6Y/WaR2eeaLlLI/AAAAAAAAFUI/zwbPBqRyzyYA4GKaS-VHP9q6owLWxs55gCLcBGAs/s320/7-18-17finny%2B%25289%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br />To my surprise, Finnegan came right out:)<br /><br />I began to do some zigzag TTouches with him, letting the Reiki flow as well.&nbsp; He started being comfortable with me very quickly, walking around a bit, then coming back to me, and Alisa was able to pet him as well.&nbsp; I also added in Llama TTouches (back of hand), ear slides and Abalone TTouches (circular TTouches with the whole hand) as we went along.&nbsp;<br /><br />I let him wander around, then come back to me as he wished. To make contact with him and give him some space, I also did some TTouches using the side of a stick from a stick toy.&nbsp; He even settled enough for mouth TTouches later in the session.<br /><br />It helps animals to feel more at ease when they feel that they have a choice whether to make contact or not -- when they feel that people are not forcing the issue.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />He was opening up like a flower blooming, and I could feel him starting to realize that indeed he was in a safe and loving place.&nbsp; I kept telling him silently that he was safe, this was his new home, that he would be taken care of and loved, and that Brynne still loved him too.&nbsp; That Brynne would always love him, but that this was his new place.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOLFgxj8wmY/WaR2TjJBW-I/AAAAAAAAFUA/wh5WOKdy2FoCAzmF-XQhZnsfm_Mm1KT9ACEwYBhgL/s1600/8-8-17finnegankoda%2B002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOLFgxj8wmY/WaR2TjJBW-I/AAAAAAAAFUA/wh5WOKdy2FoCAzmF-XQhZnsfm_Mm1KT9ACEwYBhgL/s320/8-8-17finnegankoda%2B002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Finnegan and Koda</i></div><br />After the session, Alisa told me how well he was doing, and soon she was integrating him with her other two cats, which has gone smoothly as well.&nbsp; Her other two cats, Lily and Koda, are gentle beings, as Finnegan is, so I hadn't foreseen that would be problematic, but what surprised me was how fast the acclimation seemed to take place for all of them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2dfXuV5ZM_I/WZxZAeDUM1I/AAAAAAAAFTI/0DIDZDqamck7PB1tAfXEzX-CXYtoMTtawCEwYBhgL/s1600/8-11-17finneganalisa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2dfXuV5ZM_I/WZxZAeDUM1I/AAAAAAAAFTI/0DIDZDqamck7PB1tAfXEzX-CXYtoMTtawCEwYBhgL/s320/8-11-17finneganalisa.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It felt like something had shifted energetically in the session, helping start this positive process in motion.&nbsp; I made Bach Flower remedies for the cats, which seemed to help as well.&nbsp; And I made some recommendations to help the cats become more used to each other in a gentle way, etc.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i42mYy4UoDI/WZxZRLAGvTI/AAAAAAAAFTI/U65MkVSZe1wSrlG-Y742G6-nJhfFaZcxACEwYBhgL/s1600/7-30-17finneganlilykoda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i42mYy4UoDI/WZxZRLAGvTI/AAAAAAAAFTI/U65MkVSZe1wSrlG-Y742G6-nJhfFaZcxACEwYBhgL/s320/7-30-17finneganlilykoda.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lily, Koda and Finnegan</i></div>I have been there for a number of sessions since then, and Finnegan has made himself completely at home - he acts as if this has always been his home.&nbsp; He is extremely outgoing, and, if anything, sometimes bosses the others around!&nbsp; He is extremely affectionate with Alisa, as you can see from the photo below.&nbsp; This is not to say that he was unhappy in his previous home, but rather, that he has embraced this new adventure.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFEQS3lSFYQ/WZxZhRJJdWI/AAAAAAAAFTA/p4_NqEACMEsL2bu3d7tfJ6gHKxd96OatgCEwYBhgL/s1600/alisaandfinneganlayingonher%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFEQS3lSFYQ/WZxZhRJJdWI/AAAAAAAAFTA/p4_NqEACMEsL2bu3d7tfJ6gHKxd96OatgCEwYBhgL/s320/alisaandfinneganlayingonher%2B001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />And lately, Lily and Finnegan have become especially close with each other, as you see below.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MpY91im9CrY/WZxZWyfCcRI/AAAAAAAAFS4/bUAlQB0Mf9EYOJnPqwb-SvdVix_i2yOEwCEwYBhgL/s1600/8-17-17finneganlily%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MpY91im9CrY/WZxZWyfCcRI/AAAAAAAAFS4/bUAlQB0Mf9EYOJnPqwb-SvdVix_i2yOEwCEwYBhgL/s320/8-17-17finneganlily%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />I have been back to Alisa's several more times to work with her cats and to work with a kitty named Fig Newton who she rescued and is currently fostering.&nbsp; It has been beautiful to see how well Finnegan, Lily and Koda have adjusted.&nbsp; (And as for Newton, perhaps you will hear about him in a future blog post, as he has a story all his own.)<br /><br />After Brynne heard about what had happened at Alisa's, she was very excited, and paid for me to do two more sessions and a round of remedies with each of the homes.&nbsp; She had been concerned about the cats, and wanted them to have the best chance for all to work out well.<br /><br /><br />A couple of weeks after that, I met with Amy and all her cats:&nbsp; Mr. Blue, Tracey, Lionel and Vincent.&nbsp; Mr. Blue had been in a room by himself for some days, so she had started letting him out.<br /><br />Amy's other cats are also very gentle, and Amy said that there had been some hissing between the cats, but nothing more than that, no fighting, etc. <br /><br />When I arrived, Mr. Blue was under the couch along with Vincent, and Tracey and Lionel, who are extremely bonded with each other, were hanging out together.<br /><br />I got out some treats, and was able to lure Mr. Blue out for a while.&nbsp; He didn't really want to be touched, and that was fine.&nbsp; I gave him a few treats along with the other cats, so everyone could get used to having something good happen in close proximity to each other.&nbsp; I advised Amy to do this every day with the cats, as well as a few other strategies.&nbsp; I also showed Amy about doing TTouches and using some of the tools, whenever Mr. Blue was ready for that.&nbsp; Tracey is a very shy cat, so I showed her how she could help Tracey as well using TTouch.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSThLoyc_r8/WZxbrW8oMUI/AAAAAAAAFTc/xLLAdrT-_fIxgeOIGuKrZOIR3PBYjbhDwCEwYBhgL/s1600/mrblueandfriends%2B%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSThLoyc_r8/WZxbrW8oMUI/AAAAAAAAFTc/xLLAdrT-_fIxgeOIGuKrZOIR3PBYjbhDwCEwYBhgL/s320/mrblueandfriends%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Mr. Blue settled again under the couch, so I just laid down on the floor near the couch and shared Reiki with him.&nbsp; He clearly became more settled as we continued the session - I felt him really connecting with the energy.&nbsp; I shared with him that Brynne loved him but that this was his new home, that he was safe and loved here, that this was his place, and his new family.&nbsp; That everything was all right.&nbsp; That I loved him too. When I finished, I thanked him for being open to Reiki and for participating in the healing process.<br /><br />After the session, I heard that the cats were doing better with each other, and that Mr. Blue was becoming more comfortable in general, which was great!&nbsp; Again, I believe that Reiki and TTouch helped to start a shift in the energy, and helped the cats to feel calmer and more open to the change that was happening. I made Bach remedies for the cats, which would help everyone to adjust and feel calm.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3Awer469mk/WZxb0XlMNVI/AAAAAAAAFTc/1eTSV4E2XJAQhPIaVE7sIUbvQVfjPnNZQCEwYBhgL/s1600/mrblueandfriends%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3Awer469mk/WZxb0XlMNVI/AAAAAAAAFTc/1eTSV4E2XJAQhPIaVE7sIUbvQVfjPnNZQCEwYBhgL/s320/mrblueandfriends%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Vincent, Mr. Blue and Lionel</i></div>At the second session, Amy said Mr. Blue had been more out and about, and that things were going well.&nbsp; Initially he was under the couch again, but came out quickly for treats.&nbsp; And this time, I was able to do TTouches with him as he was eating the treats.&nbsp; Again, I worked with the other cats (except Vincent, who was still hiding, but I believe he received the Reiki energy).&nbsp; Mr. Blue went under the couch again for much of the Reiki session, but again I could feel him really connecting with the energy.&nbsp; That was just where he was most comfortable in the moment.&nbsp; Again, I was happy to honor his choice.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwBzWyGFJ044Trsbo85R-mXuA6o4zlBOISbsXUIhO5XVbuobBPdeHd-l7C8nBYx7Gs-MhXghScZd7bPByscEA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br />After the session, Amy said she was able to pet Mr. Blue a lot more, and not long after that, she sent me a photo of him on her lap!&nbsp; He has turned into a real cuddler, and is so happy there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qf2tZY1Xi30/WZxktuyEGmI/AAAAAAAAFT0/Fw90z01EGxUuLJAgPFCtbqshPi2slAQzACEwYBhgL/s1600/mrbluesnuggle%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qf2tZY1Xi30/WZxktuyEGmI/AAAAAAAAFT0/Fw90z01EGxUuLJAgPFCtbqshPi2slAQzACEwYBhgL/s320/mrbluesnuggle%2B003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />And as for how Mr. Blue is getting along with the other kitties, Amy says they are all one big happy family!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds9tiqCZ4u0/WZxlI3KjdyI/AAAAAAAAFT0/2Sc7NGUzy6MH-QHOj9JKEbJ3QiJ2NMGmACEwYBhgL/s1600/mrbluesnuggle%2B004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds9tiqCZ4u0/WZxlI3KjdyI/AAAAAAAAFT0/2Sc7NGUzy6MH-QHOj9JKEbJ3QiJ2NMGmACEwYBhgL/s320/mrbluesnuggle%2B004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>&nbsp; Mr. Blue and Lionel</i> </div><br />Such a beautiful story, and I could not be more delighted at how well all is working out.&nbsp; Alisa and Amy have kept in touch with Brynne, sharing with her photos and videos of how well the kitties are doing.<br /><br />Thank you to all the humans and kitties involved - you are all so loving and so special.&nbsp; It was an honor to be a part of this experience, and I will never forget it.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/P7m2Sy7s2cw" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/08/two-new-beginnings-finnegan-and-mr-blue.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-14742200624712807202017-08-03T13:27:00.001-04:002017-08-03T13:27:09.262-04:00Reiki, TTouch and Debono Moves with Mr. Ji: Finding Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8Y1TsmPNak/WYNcvGB74QI/AAAAAAAAFSc/ROl7m3VMOEwcVOWNZfKcdOTLAZNVbveygCLcBGAs/s1600/8-3-17mrjiaftersession.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8Y1TsmPNak/WYNcvGB74QI/AAAAAAAAFSc/ROl7m3VMOEwcVOWNZfKcdOTLAZNVbveygCLcBGAs/s320/8-3-17mrjiaftersession.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Mr. Ji is a dear senior dog I have been working with for some months now.&nbsp; He has spinal stenosis, but he gets around really well in his dog cart, and it certainly never dampens his delightful personality.&nbsp; It can give him discomfort, though, so the modalities I use can help to relieve some of that discomfort, and can give gentle suggestions to the body that help him to be in better balance.<br /><br />When I started working with him today, he was restless, moving around, and it was hard for him to settle.&nbsp; I did a bit of Debono moves work and a bit of TTouch with gentle hands-on, but he seemed to prefer that I work with him with hands off.&nbsp; When he is in this restless mode, often it is best to share Reiki with him with hands-off first, and then see what else he may be ready to do.&nbsp; If I follow his cues, I know I will find the way to help him.<br /><br />His lovely person, Niseema, had put a toy in between his two front legs, which helped him to feel more at ease, but it seemed like he needed something more substantial there, so she ended up folding up a small blanket and putting it there instead, as you see in the photo.<br /><br />It felt like a lot of his restless energy was in the upper part of the body, so I moved my hands slightly off his lower body.&nbsp; I began to feel him start to be more grounded.<br /><br />Then I began to connect with his inner light, and I silently told him that he has this light inside him all the time.&nbsp; And I began to picture the light spreading through his body, and a very bright light surrounding his body as well.<br /><br />All of a sudden I felt us completely connected - as though the energy from my hands, the energy running through his body like a river of light, the energy surrounding us - that we were one.&nbsp; And he became very still, and so peaceful.&nbsp;<br /><br />But it was a stillness that was not frozen.&nbsp; It was a stillness that had breath and light running through it.&nbsp; Such a beautiful peacefulness and we were one with this feeling.&nbsp; I felt him completely relax into it, as though he was just letting himself flow with the energy.<br /><br />He was so comfortable that I decided to just leave my hands where they were for most of the rest of the session.&nbsp; Towards the end, I did some gentle touches on his hind feet, barely even making contact, just to give some gentle awareness there.<br /><br />When I finished the session, I tested his chakras with a pendulum and all of them were balanced.&nbsp; I thanked him and thanked this work, feeling such gratitude.<br /><br />Much love to Mr. Ji!!! Thank you for showing me and teaching me so much, and look forward to seeing you soon!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/72D48SIydR0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/08/reiki-ttouch-and-debono-moves-with-mr.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-63866921647687800922017-07-11T20:07:00.001-04:002017-07-11T20:07:04.997-04:00Reiki, Debono Moves and TTouch with Deuce: Gentle Work with a Gentle Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_TES_Pyj8qo/WWTl_mtdd8I/AAAAAAAAFR8/qpSQoyyO96QHH6KAuGQDdV_ICRz_Ye1XgCLcBGAs/s1600/5-8-17deuce%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_TES_Pyj8qo/WWTl_mtdd8I/AAAAAAAAFR8/qpSQoyyO96QHH6KAuGQDdV_ICRz_Ye1XgCLcBGAs/s320/5-8-17deuce%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Deuce is a beautiful, sweet gray tabby who I have worked with weekly for about four years (I now also work with his dear brother Gruffy too).&nbsp; Originally I was called to help Deuce because of his arthritis, and now he also has some digestive issues.&nbsp; The work that I do is helpful on many levels, so it should help him to feel as balanced as he can be in his situation.<br />Deuce is a gentle and open being, and he is extremely receptive to the work that I do.&nbsp; Each session feels like we share a very deep meditation together. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVYTC1hyQHw/WWTnL5jXT1I/AAAAAAAAFSI/lNlOod9TW9wShxvl3cHXRtzTlQ1gdBM-QCLcBGAs/s1600/2-1-16deuceandgruffy%2B%25281%2529good.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVYTC1hyQHw/WWTnL5jXT1I/AAAAAAAAFSI/lNlOod9TW9wShxvl3cHXRtzTlQ1gdBM-QCLcBGAs/s320/2-1-16deuceandgruffy%2B%25281%2529good.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>&nbsp;Deuce with Gruffy</i></div>I have mostly done Reiki with Deuce during the time I have worked with him, but I also incorporate TTouch into our sessions, and, more recently, have begun incorporating <a href="http://www.debonomoves.com/" target="_blank">Debono Moves </a>(a gentle technique for animals based on Feldenkrais work, developed by Mary Debono) into our sessions.&nbsp; Debono Moves helps with balance on both physical and emotional levels, and can particularly help animals with physical discomfort and trouble with mobility.&nbsp; Among other things, Debono Moves gives gentle suggestions to the body about how it may be able to feel more comfortable, move or rest more comfortably, and feel supported.&nbsp; In this post, the work I describe doing with his feet and legs is from what I have learned about Debono Moves.<br />Deuce has been having more physical trouble lately, so I am especially careful to be mindful of his sensitivity when working with him.&nbsp; In the past, he has been really comfortable with Reiki hands-on, but more recently, I find myself working with him with my hands slightly off him, as I can tell it may feel too intense to him to do hands-on.&nbsp; However, yesterday he was up for more contact, so I thought, let's see what can happen. . .<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S237K6HlMmQ/WWTlPSUoiGI/AAAAAAAAFRs/mREWosjIGbQ-0cygXRG5e4MOxknf3VOTQCEwYBhgL/s1600/7-10-17deucedebonomoves%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S237K6HlMmQ/WWTlPSUoiGI/AAAAAAAAFRs/mREWosjIGbQ-0cygXRG5e4MOxknf3VOTQCEwYBhgL/s320/7-10-17deucedebonomoves%2B001.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />He was laying on his favorite chair when I arrived.&nbsp; I sit on a low stool right next to the chair.&nbsp; I started with my hands slightly off him, letting the Reiki flow. Right away he started purring.&nbsp; He rubbed his face into my hand and made himself comfortable.&nbsp; I felt him taking the energy in, and we became one, sharing the light and energy of Reiki.&nbsp; We stayed there for a good long while, very peaceful.<br />He was curled around in a snail-like position as you see below.&nbsp; At times, I gently placed my hands and arms around his body a bit, curving around him.&nbsp; Just resting there at first, and feeling like I was giving him gentle support.&nbsp; In my mind I would think of giving the slightest pressure (rather than actually really "doing" anything), as I thought of supporting him, then would gently release.&nbsp; Then I would take my hands slightly off again and let the Reiki flow.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ybVTHUKbb4/WWTmLahmcEI/AAAAAAAAFSA/8DsBlPEhm3Ujnj6iG_ApSnv2mxFd725zwCEwYBhgL/s1600/6-26-17deuce%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ybVTHUKbb4/WWTmLahmcEI/AAAAAAAAFSA/8DsBlPEhm3Ujnj6iG_ApSnv2mxFd725zwCEwYBhgL/s320/6-26-17deuce%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />He seemed to want to rest his hind legs on my arm or hand.&nbsp; I started giving him just a slight feeling of support on his hind legs, and then releasing.&nbsp; I had a picture in my mind that he was standing up.&nbsp; I would slightly touch one leg, then the other, picturing that he was putting a leg forward, then the other.<br />Keep in mind that these movements are barely perceptible, and extremely slow.&nbsp; A video of them would look almost like nothing was happening, yet I felt a lot was happening.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaotvsJcfVU/WWTlqlcu8TI/AAAAAAAAFR4/36xcdjnxUWoboIVnNC2jSrINJtBR1I54gCEwYBhgL/s1600/7-10-17deucedebonomoves%2B004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaotvsJcfVU/WWTlqlcu8TI/AAAAAAAAFR4/36xcdjnxUWoboIVnNC2jSrINJtBR1I54gCEwYBhgL/s320/7-10-17deucedebonomoves%2B004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I put my hand slightly under both his hind paws.&nbsp; It felt like he started giving his weight to me through his paws there, like he had the sensation of standing even though he was laying on his side.&nbsp; I would put a slight pressure under one foot, then the other, imagining he was taking steps.&nbsp; At times I would stay still with my hand under both feet, imagining him standing. Again, I felt that HE sensed this and was responding to it.<br />I also did some gentle TTouches around the hind legs and feet to additionally help give some awareness there.<br />I continued to let Reiki flow the entire time, and he was extremely relaxed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey13BJpvFPA/WWTlToMdCGI/AAAAAAAAFRw/KhyDfs3p3AUR-EduaPoQztHzBRGoyghkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/7-10-17deucedebonomoves%2B002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey13BJpvFPA/WWTlToMdCGI/AAAAAAAAFRw/KhyDfs3p3AUR-EduaPoQztHzBRGoyghkQCEwYBhgL/s320/7-10-17deucedebonomoves%2B002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Then I gradually started to do the same thing with his front feet.&nbsp; Usually he does not like to have his front feet touched at all, but he was so relaxed that he was ok with it.&nbsp; And I think that starting out with the hind feet, where he is more comfortable, gave him a hint that this same movement may be comfortable on his front feet.&nbsp; From what I understand, his arthritis is primarily concentrated around his shoulders, so I am sure his front feet are especially sensitive. Again, I just lightly touched one under one front foot, then the other.&nbsp; Like I was just letting my hand be there for him to "stand" on.<br />He started pressing into my hand a bit with his feet too.&nbsp; So interesting!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ot-WP1NQ4T0/WWTlfbzmufI/AAAAAAAAFR0/O2xbedyjAv4lwVm9PFU984ssy4dG9lHrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/7-10-17deucedebonomoves%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ot-WP1NQ4T0/WWTlfbzmufI/AAAAAAAAFR0/O2xbedyjAv4lwVm9PFU984ssy4dG9lHrgCEwYBhgL/s320/7-10-17deucedebonomoves%2B003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />After working very slowly this way for a while, I let it go and just let the Reiki flow for a while.&nbsp; I started to do a few gentle ribcage lifts, but could see that he had enough and just wanted to take in the peaceful Reiki energy for a while longer.&nbsp; He settled into the peaceful energy flow. He was purring and I felt him so peaceful and comfortable.&nbsp; Sometimes I feel my hands so connected with him that it is hard to end the session, even though I know I have been there quite a long time:)<br />After a while of enjoying the quiet flow with him, I gently thanked him and ended the session.<br />Thank you so much, Deucie!&nbsp; I love you and always love working with you.&nbsp; Look forward to seeing you soon!<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/srep7aWQNXQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com2http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/07/reiki-debono-moves-and-ttouch-with.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-19455877025014381502017-06-27T10:20:00.001-04:002017-06-27T10:22:17.456-04:00Bringing Balance and Confidence to Chancey Lou at Bideawee Through TTouch, Reiki, Treats and Love:)Chancey Lou is a beautiful black and white kitty at Bideawee.&nbsp; She was terrified when I first met her, hissing and swatting when people opened her cage.&nbsp; She also has ear issues which affect her balance, so I am sure that makes her more apt to be anxious as well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDUBUkDeiCU/WVJdlSeP9-I/AAAAAAAAFQs/UGdL4LavMDg16rF-srgd6ajCysrwisulgCLcBGAs/s1600/bideawee5-9-17chauncy%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDUBUkDeiCU/WVJdlSeP9-I/AAAAAAAAFQs/UGdL4LavMDg16rF-srgd6ajCysrwisulgCLcBGAs/s320/bideawee5-9-17chauncy%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This photo is from when I first started working with her.&nbsp; I sensed she really wanted to connect - actually she WAS connecting with me in the most direct and beautiful way one could imagine, heart to heart with her energy.&nbsp; But I could sense she also wanted to connect with touch, but that she was just afraid at the moment.&nbsp; At first, I mostly offered Reiki to her, sharing the gentle energy with her and fostering that connection with her.<br />Her thoughtful eyes connected with me deeply right away.&nbsp; I sent her the feelings that I understood she was scared, but that she was very safe here.&nbsp; That she would be very loved and cared for here.<br />That I loved her dearly.<br />Then after she got more relaxed, I started slowly trying a back scratcher or stick end of the stick toy with her.&nbsp; The back scratcher seemed like it was too big a tool, so I just used the stick for a while.<br />At first, she was unsure about this, and would walk away.&nbsp; So if that happened, I would give her a break, continuing to let the Reiki flow, and perhaps try again a bit later.&nbsp; Over time, she started to understand that the stick was going to be used in a gentle way.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mrxvif4f6ww/WVJdi5cqSbI/AAAAAAAAFQo/lTJ4UKmB8NE7Oy_ce2mELGL3yawBbRhGwCLcBGAs/s1600/bideawee5-9-17chauncy%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mrxvif4f6ww/WVJdi5cqSbI/AAAAAAAAFQo/lTJ4UKmB8NE7Oy_ce2mELGL3yawBbRhGwCLcBGAs/s320/bideawee5-9-17chauncy%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I also found that talking to her in a calm, slow voice was helpful.&nbsp; The power of a soothing intention, combined with the calm voice, can be so powerful.<br />After a few weeks, she stopped the initial hissing, and I sensed she was looking at me to see what we were going to try next.<br />I started using treats with her, which worked out really well.&nbsp; At first I would just put them near where she was, and after a bit of practice, she would take them from my hand.&nbsp; I put my hand very flat on the bottom of the cage, so that it was close to the feeling of her taking the treat off the floor.&nbsp; I was able to get her to come a bit closer to me for the treat as well.<br />After incorporating the treats, she started to come forward in her cage when she saw me.<br />Her face had started to look more and more open, and she was starting to trust others in the shelter who interacted with her as well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nxPMgR7LMQ/WVJkJbJRz6I/AAAAAAAAFRI/pk1INHKl17UQtEgsvVI7xY8hAG_Zj0QcgCLcBGAs/s1600/bideawwe6-17-17chanceylou%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nxPMgR7LMQ/WVJkJbJRz6I/AAAAAAAAFRI/pk1INHKl17UQtEgsvVI7xY8hAG_Zj0QcgCLcBGAs/s320/bideawwe6-17-17chanceylou%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />At about this time, I brought in a long-handled paintbrush with a rather small brush at the end, thinking something small would work well, and maybe the softer surface of the brush would help.<br />After a bit of work with the treats, I gave her a break, then started to stroke her under her chin with the brush, and she started leaning into it a bit - yes! I love those moments when an animal really starts to respond on their own to touch, letting you know that they are starting to enjoy it, and that they are starting to trust you as well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD5JXDU5G2g/WVJm9SckRBI/AAAAAAAAFRc/-y_EE5iHloA_iukYGYuTxhkC-3fqAOoMQCLcBGAs/s1600/bideawee6-6-17chanceyloubreakthru%2B%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD5JXDU5G2g/WVJm9SckRBI/AAAAAAAAFRc/-y_EE5iHloA_iukYGYuTxhkC-3fqAOoMQCLcBGAs/s320/bideawee6-6-17chanceyloubreakthru%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />With a bit of gradual work, I was able to start to stroke and TTouch her on other parts of her head, always going back to under the chin when I sensed she needed that.&nbsp; At times, I was able to touch her directly with my hand. She began to stretch her body completely out, sometimes kneading with her paws as well:)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqU9uTJe_q0/WVJju6Egs8I/AAAAAAAAFQ8/hRsHVjeNFVAL0p35O51NbogjQqhURUmhQCLcBGAs/s1600/bideawee6-15-17chanceylou%2B%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqU9uTJe_q0/WVJju6Egs8I/AAAAAAAAFQ8/hRsHVjeNFVAL0p35O51NbogjQqhURUmhQCLcBGAs/s320/bideawee6-15-17chanceylou%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />About a week ago, I started to stroke a bit down her body with the paintbrush, and she got up and started to walk away from the brush.&nbsp; I thought I had done too much, but actually she came to the front of the cage and began to rub her head against my hand!&nbsp; You will see this breakthrough somewhere in the middle of the following video.&nbsp; I know it is a bit lengthy, but it will show in more detail my process with her.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wENWb89EcKk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wENWb89EcKk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>On this same day, she kept coming to the front of the cage, rubbing her face against my hand.&nbsp; I was able to do some circular TTouches, strokes and zigzags on her body as well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-2yIsQvVzI/WVJj7dbvUSI/AAAAAAAAFRA/2LpEkIAo--MbKnHvC69a520o7iGXm9MDgCLcBGAs/s1600/bideawee6-24-17chanceylou%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-2yIsQvVzI/WVJj7dbvUSI/AAAAAAAAFRA/2LpEkIAo--MbKnHvC69a520o7iGXm9MDgCLcBGAs/s320/bideawee6-24-17chanceylou%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>It literally felt like a wall or shell that had been in between us had melted, and that she was celebrating our connection.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvJnFv_sGz4/WVJj_uHwrUI/AAAAAAAAFRE/asEGMkprE3gOoqTn_7ma86hXBtnWdW_lgCLcBGAs/s1600/bideawee6-24-17chanceylou%2B%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvJnFv_sGz4/WVJj_uHwrUI/AAAAAAAAFRE/asEGMkprE3gOoqTn_7ma86hXBtnWdW_lgCLcBGAs/s320/bideawee6-24-17chanceylou%2B%25285%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>I felt like my heart was completely open, and that a circular energy was moving from her to me to her, with such an expansive, opening feeling.&nbsp; This beautiful, loving energy filling our hearts and filling the room.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uoj14irGbcQ/WVJkUct5PoI/AAAAAAAAFRM/cpkQqOg1U3gqbFtfH-9qJblC2rg3r95MwCLcBGAs/s1600/chanceyloucute.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uoj14irGbcQ/WVJkUct5PoI/AAAAAAAAFRM/cpkQqOg1U3gqbFtfH-9qJblC2rg3r95MwCLcBGAs/s320/chanceyloucute.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />She jumped up on a little shelf and started to stretch and roll around when I stroked her with the paintbrush there.&nbsp; So sweet! <br />And things have continued to progress from there:)<br />Even people who don't have as much contact with her are noticing the change.&nbsp; She will come to the front of the cage to say hello and ask for pets.<br />She has also started to venture out of her cage a bit, which is great.<br />Can't wait to see her again! <br />Love you, Chancey Lou!&nbsp; Thank you for sharing your love with me, and for reminding me to be patient and in the moment, always.<br />And thank you to all the lovely Bideawee staff and volunteers who do so much to help these dear animals:)<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/mLj51B5ty0s" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/06/bringing-balance-and-confidence-to.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-30325049109689668612017-05-02T12:39:00.001-04:002017-05-02T13:04:14.690-04:00Reiki, TTouch and Play with Daisy at Bideawee Westhampton: Peacefulness to a Sensitive Cat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_w1lylU7fBM/WQi2vlANCjI/AAAAAAAAFPg/F93Am_lp5MIs95X1-DeBsmo0UfzifamIACLcB/s1600/wh10-13-16daisy%2B0%2B00%2B09-58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_w1lylU7fBM/WQi2vlANCjI/AAAAAAAAFPg/F93Am_lp5MIs95X1-DeBsmo0UfzifamIACLcB/s320/wh10-13-16daisy%2B0%2B00%2B09-58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Daisy is a beautiful kitty at Bideawee in Westhampton.&nbsp; She is friendly with people, but not so fond of other cats, so she is lucky enough to have her own room there.<br /><br />Daisy wants to have connection and friendship with people, but she gets so overexcited that it can turn into overstimulated behavior, with tail twitching, sudden hissing or meowing, etc.&nbsp; Some people would say this is "unpredictable" behavior, but to me it is actually expected, if you watch her very clear body language.<br /><br />And I do not agree with people who think this type of behavior is set in stone and cannot change.&nbsp; We cannot know what will happen, but I believe that improvement is always possible.&nbsp; It is a type of behavior where one is likely to always have to be extra-mindful of the cat's body language, but I strongly believe that by sharing a calm space, we can help these animals to understand what being calm feels like.&nbsp; And the more that they feel it, the more possible it can be for them to get to that place on their own.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmgZK2rwYIw/WQi2076RGEI/AAAAAAAAFP0/xdw-EuI0kV8jGgNommQdi7ZjB1AXGYpIQCEw/s1600/wh10-13-16daisy%2B0%2B00%2B14-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmgZK2rwYIw/WQi2076RGEI/AAAAAAAAFP0/xdw-EuI0kV8jGgNommQdi7ZjB1AXGYpIQCEw/s320/wh10-13-16daisy%2B0%2B00%2B14-19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I have been working with Daisy really slowly, and through this process and combination of Reiki, TTouch and play, we have established a lovely bond. <br /><br />My cat Garbanzo had a somewhat similar pattern, though his was more extreme, as he could get very aggressive when he was in overstimulated mode.&nbsp; He trained me well to learn how to stay calm and neutral, and how to go slowly and gradually, always aware of body language.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iN-4MFYOshI/WQi4jS6R3II/AAAAAAAAFQE/J_yT9xIR7igXnWG7xlwV5fph8WhogoR0gCEw/s1600/whbideawee10-27-16daisy%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iN-4MFYOshI/WQi4jS6R3II/AAAAAAAAFQE/J_yT9xIR7igXnWG7xlwV5fph8WhogoR0gCEw/s320/whbideawee10-27-16daisy%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />When I first met Daisy, I had worked with other cats first, so without even consciously thinking it, Reiki was flowing before I entered into the room.&nbsp; I entered and sat down calmly.&nbsp; Daisy ran up to me before I even sat down and started rubbing and rubbing against me.&nbsp; This behavior alone made her so overstimulated that suddenly she hissed at me.&nbsp; I had a wonderful toy with me ("Go Cat Cat Catcher" - basically a stick toy with a mouse on the end of a wire - most cats love it!) - so I started playing with her a bit with the toy - enough so she could get some of her energy out on the toy, but not so wildly that she got amped up even further.&nbsp; At times I was able to stroke her with the stick end of the stick toy - just once or twice.&nbsp; Mostly I was just sitting calmly and letting the Reiki flow.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMc37yr1q7g/WQi4GOQEH2I/AAAAAAAAFQE/Cz2uQkedz4gArgzdZAT1-s7PDHDKBmHKgCEw/s1600/whbideawee3-17-17daisyreikihappy%2B%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMc37yr1q7g/WQi4GOQEH2I/AAAAAAAAFQE/Cz2uQkedz4gArgzdZAT1-s7PDHDKBmHKgCEw/s320/whbideawee3-17-17daisyreikihappy%2B%252812%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />Our first few sessions were brief, as I wanted to make sure that we had a positive interaction, and it was left at that.&nbsp; With each session, Daisy responded to the Reiki more and started to recognize the calming energy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbMXWP95i0Q/WQi4gDV1_xI/AAAAAAAAFQE/THTI2YIOoGolrq_GJKXVUlJTlwgLyFSJACEw/s1600/whbideawee3-17-17daisyreikihappy%2B%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbMXWP95i0Q/WQi4gDV1_xI/AAAAAAAAFQE/THTI2YIOoGolrq_GJKXVUlJTlwgLyFSJACEw/s320/whbideawee3-17-17daisyreikihappy%2B%25288%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />And so after a little bit of play, I would just sit calmly, and she would end up laying right next to me, even falling asleep.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fXlo1XOCxE/WQi3JUWDypI/AAAAAAAAFP0/Y40qeLHnFP8zaUbF91MErHWPuI_On1bcwCEw/s1600/whbideawee4-14-17daisyreiki%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fXlo1XOCxE/WQi3JUWDypI/AAAAAAAAFP0/Y40qeLHnFP8zaUbF91MErHWPuI_On1bcwCEw/s320/whbideawee4-14-17daisyreiki%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It was so relaxing in her beautiful room, with the light coming in the window.&nbsp; The light from outside, the light from within both of us, the light of the Reiki energy, becoming one with the light.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/w357K1fRQp0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w357K1fRQp0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br /><br />At the end of our most recent session (actually part one of it!), when I ended the session and got up to go to the door (which I do gradually and calmly), Daisy came after me, as she often does, and she started getting back into a hectic mode.&nbsp; I was feeling from her, "why are you leaving?&nbsp; don't go! why are you leaving?".&nbsp; When I end the sessions with her, I tell her that I love her always, and that I will be back, but still this is often what happens when I leave the room.<br /><br />After I worked with a couple of other cats, it was getting near time for me to leave the shelter, but I really wanted to spend a few more minutes with Daisy.&nbsp; I felt I had something more to share with her, and I wanted to see what would happen.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPYvqYSY8jU/WQi6sjqFvfI/AAAAAAAAFQU/RWKVek50u8M1OnxD_N1HOkNZ-LJaWaGVACLcB/s1600/whbideawee4-14-17daisyreiki%2Bedit%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPYvqYSY8jU/WQi6sjqFvfI/AAAAAAAAFQU/RWKVek50u8M1OnxD_N1HOkNZ-LJaWaGVACLcB/s320/whbideawee4-14-17daisyreiki%2Bedit%25287%2529.jpg" width="177" /></a></div><br />I went back in the room, letting the Reiki flow again, and she calmly settled on the floor across from where I was.&nbsp; I started telling her silently, "You can always have the light in you.&nbsp; You can always have the light all around you, protecting you.&nbsp; I love you always, and always, and always.&nbsp; Feel the light inside you, and the light all around you, protecting you." I started repeating these words, and variations, like a mantra, for a few minutes.&nbsp; I may have said them quietly, in addition to silently, I am not sure.&nbsp; I saw her looking so peaceful and happy and settled.&nbsp; And when I got up to leave, I was still feeling these words in my head, and she stayed right where she was, at peace and very settled.<br /><br />Later on, I heard from one of the shelter people that Daisy and some of the others were much calmer.&nbsp; So lovely to hear! <br /><br />Thank you so much, Daisy!&nbsp; It is such an honor to learn from you, and to share this beautiful energy with you.&nbsp; I look forward to seeing you soon:)<br /><br />And thanks, as always, to the wonderful Bideawee people for all that you do for these sweet creatures. xxoo<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/65ZWNm7ArgE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com4http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/05/reiki-ttouch-and-play-with-daisy-at.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-11333599900404739192017-03-10T14:47:00.003-05:002017-03-10T14:47:24.022-05:00My Journey with Peaches at Bideawee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNpz51FGL6Y/WML64-nvnzI/AAAAAAAAFOs/MUuFAbNoTGs3SokfweHY4fzMzMddGIjNACLcB/s1600/whbideawee8-4-16peaches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNpz51FGL6Y/WML64-nvnzI/AAAAAAAAFOs/MUuFAbNoTGs3SokfweHY4fzMzMddGIjNACLcB/s320/whbideawee8-4-16peaches.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Peaches was a dear, gentle, senior cat friend who I worked with at Bideawee in Westhampton starting in 2015, when I started coming to Westhampton to work with the kitties (and occasionally a dog).&nbsp; I enjoyed each moment I spent working with him, and so was very sad to hear of his passing recently.&nbsp; Following is a bit about how he came to Bideawee, and then about our journey and work together.&nbsp; <br /><br />Peaches had come to Bideawee in 2012 with mom Penelope and five siblings when their owner passed away.&nbsp; They had been clearly loved and well cared for by their owner.&nbsp; Bideawee gives all their animals such love and care, and the kitties were able to live in the spacious, lovely cat rooms they have.&nbsp; These rooms are beautifully set up for the cats' comfort, with ramps, cat trees, cat beds, scratching posts, and toys.&nbsp; All the kitties except for Penelope and Peaches were adopted.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_mQMvUxJtvY/WML6uqydHgI/AAAAAAAAFOo/lX8Xyl-xMwwaKtmm7EBJqHptFL_FnvxEwCEw/s1600/whbideawee10-13-16peaches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_mQMvUxJtvY/WML6uqydHgI/AAAAAAAAFOo/lX8Xyl-xMwwaKtmm7EBJqHptFL_FnvxEwCEw/s320/whbideawee10-13-16peaches.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />Peaches was a very shy boy, and so of course I was eager to work with him.&nbsp; He would run away when people approached him, and would usually go way up high in the room, or to the back of a crate in the room to get away from people.<br /><br />I wanted to allow Peaches to slowly become accustomed to me in a way that would feel safe to him.&nbsp; In my first sessions, I did Reiki with him from a short distance away.&nbsp; If he was way up high, I would stand on a chair so I could see him, but still could be a good distance away.&nbsp; I also did TTouches off the body, as you see here:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pJz_JjNbneA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pJz_JjNbneA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br />Feeling the gentle energy of the TTouches and Reiki from a distance helped him to feel more comfortable, and slowly he began to be more at ease in my presence.<br /><br />The next wonderful discovery I made was that he liked treats.&nbsp; Treats can be a wonderful way for a cat to learn that they can be safe near you, and they begin to associate you with something that they really enjoy.&nbsp; Following is a video which shows how I incorporated treats with TTouch and Reiki to help dear Peaches feel more at ease.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MugjCZBRlew/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MugjCZBRlew?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>Now when he saw me coming into the room, he began running towards me instead of away.&nbsp; Yes, it was for the treats, but later on, I was able to approach him for affection without the "bribery".&nbsp; Also, in our sessions he was comfortable for longer and longer periods without using treats.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HdCfcnWQONo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HdCfcnWQONo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>In the video above. you see me brushing him with a "mini jelly scrubber" brush - which is most often used for horses, but I found out about it in the TTouch training, as many cats enjoy being TTouched (or, I found out later, brushed) with it. You can see how he settles into touch for longer periods of time without the treats.<br />In the video below, you can see him enjoying contact more and more.&nbsp; And in the last section, I had approached him quietly while he was cozy in the sun, and he relaxed into the TTouches with no treats being used.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awP7K7Yp6VA/WML6gt91LjI/AAAAAAAAFOw/_CXyj_BQx9AAbIEwlPj0c_K90yoGjfNigCEw/s1600/peachesttouchinsungood%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awP7K7Yp6VA/WML6gt91LjI/AAAAAAAAFOw/_CXyj_BQx9AAbIEwlPj0c_K90yoGjfNigCEw/s320/peachesttouchinsungood%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The large room that he lived in (with some other cats) has big windows in the front that go over the top as well.&nbsp; So on a sunny day, the light pours in, and there are cozy places for the cats to hang out in these sunny spots.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5Hd9-cK8X4/WMMCIvqfkJI/AAAAAAAAFPE/O62gnkFnkmcmSyd0P-c_NiFWIdL0hMlZwCEw/s1600/whpeachesinsun6-24-163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5Hd9-cK8X4/WMMCIvqfkJI/AAAAAAAAFPE/O62gnkFnkmcmSyd0P-c_NiFWIdL0hMlZwCEw/s320/whpeachesinsun6-24-163.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When I think of Peaches now, that moment we had of TTouch with the light shining on us comes back to me.&nbsp; Truly a magical moment in time, a beautiful moment of inner and outer light and connection.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3FQLdkWUvGU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3FQLdkWUvGU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>I looked forward to each time that I worked with dear Peaches, and felt our heart connection grow stronger each time.&nbsp; I felt so honored that he felt safe with me, that he was enjoying these moments of closeness and contact.<br />And I heard that some other people were able to have more contact with Peaches as well, which was great to hear. <br />As we continued working, he continued making progress, and in this last session that I filmed, he realized he really enjoyed scratches and TTouches around his head.&nbsp; He was purring and pushing into my hand.&nbsp; Such a joyful session with him!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7YjjfoGYUDc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7YjjfoGYUDc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br />Not too long ago, I had noticed that Peaches was feeling more frail, and so I mentioned it to the Bideawee staff. Bideawee's vet checked him out completely with full bloodwork, etc and nothing showed up.&nbsp; So it must have been a shock when Bideawee's Animal Care Supervisor Amy discovered that Peaches had passed away in his sleep. Amy has his ashes, and there is a photo of him up where his cage card used to be, to honor the sweet kitty.<br />Following is a strappo monotype I did of him a while ago. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BoOct0JMILM/WML6NTp84iI/AAAAAAAAFOw/xmAk2x7OjH0BBhVB97QmgB-rHjhP7l_vQCEw/s1600/peachesstrappo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BoOct0JMILM/WML6NTp84iI/AAAAAAAAFOw/xmAk2x7OjH0BBhVB97QmgB-rHjhP7l_vQCEw/s320/peachesstrappo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I will always remember Peaches.&nbsp; His gentle smile and sweet soul will live in my heart forever.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Oa3ZbfQ5wI/WMMCHVfm0dI/AAAAAAAAFPA/R4nSG3yCcywg3pODS88Z-ACj41D6YsqFwCLcB/s1600/whpeachesinsun6-24-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Oa3ZbfQ5wI/WMMCHVfm0dI/AAAAAAAAFPA/R4nSG3yCcywg3pODS88Z-ACj41D6YsqFwCLcB/s320/whpeachesinsun6-24-16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I will always picture him basking in the sun, with the sun coming in through the windows, with a beautiful smile on his face, glowing with light and joy.&nbsp; Love you always, Peaches!&nbsp; Thank you for all that you taught me, shared with me, and all that you gave to me.&nbsp; xoxo<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/oREwBIwMgLk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/03/my-journey-with-peaches-at-bideawee.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-42403311986965282972017-03-03T15:17:00.001-05:002017-03-03T15:18:27.893-05:00My Journey with Natalia and Lulu: Five Years Later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal">Natalia and Lulu are my two beautiful, formerly-feral cats who I adopted from BARC Shelter in 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They came into BARC Shelter in December of 2011 – so I have known them for five years now (they are probably about six years old).<br /><div class="MsoNormal">When they first came in to BARC Shelter, I had no idea that some months later I would be bringing them home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They had different names at the shelter, but to avoid confusion I am using the names I gave them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>At that time, I had my 18 year old cat Garbanzo, who would not tolerate any other cats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They originally were brought in to be spayed and put back outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>When that plan fell through, they continued to stay at the shelter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The shelter owners were considering sending them to a sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Clearly they were not used to human interaction at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jztSV8-ETOs/WLnJdZVmZJI/AAAAAAAAFN8/ZabS_VXrZPUcEkW0PoLl5wb5r88hpLbugCLcB/s1600/1-12-12feral%2B0%2B00%2B11-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jztSV8-ETOs/WLnJdZVmZJI/AAAAAAAAFN8/ZabS_VXrZPUcEkW0PoLl5wb5r88hpLbugCLcB/s320/1-12-12feral%2B0%2B00%2B11-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Of course I began working with them once it was clear they were staying at the shelter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Lulu hid under her cat bed, and Natalia stayed at the back of the cage, but I could tell early-on that they were not aggressive in the least<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>just scared.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ei3nPW7rDTQ/WLnJhPTigcI/AAAAAAAAFOA/LAwDPSTG1JYRD5QWksFhF6SQhyHE29nVQCLcB/s1600/3-22-12samantha%2B0%2B01%2B23-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ei3nPW7rDTQ/WLnJhPTigcI/AAAAAAAAFOA/LAwDPSTG1JYRD5QWksFhF6SQhyHE29nVQCLcB/s320/3-22-12samantha%2B0%2B01%2B23-19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We have been on, and continue to be on, a truly amazing journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The process is so heart-opening, and so humbling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is a lesson in patience, and in letting go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is about really quieting my own being so that I can listen to what they are ready to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is about keeping my mind open, about constantly trying new things with them, and about figuring out how to break things down into smaller and smaller steps until you are just at the place that feels ok for them. I also have a number of ways of connecting with the cats: TTouch, Reiki, play, clicker training, Debono Moves, treats, etc. If one thing is not working that particular day, I try something else. </div><div class="MsoNormal">And all of those small steps really do add up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Back then, I didn’t know that I would eventually be able to pick up Lulu and give her a good snuggle and head rub, or that Natalia would want me to climb up the stairs to the bed with her for Reiki, giving head butts to me the whole way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>That they would come to me to seek affection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Here is a photo of our Reiki routine.&nbsp; Natalia and Lulu are always in the same configuration.&nbsp; Most often Lulu will wait at the bottom of the stairs up to the bed.&nbsp; She waits for my boyfriend to come into the room and tell her it's time for Reiki, but she starts running up the minute she hears him get up from his chair in the living room.&nbsp; Such a funny routine!&nbsp; Then she snuggles in next to me.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HNaEPbhD9A4/WLnN5OLElwI/AAAAAAAAFOM/wyMQStfBm1009d8YQ0AtECA7ooHFMDlZQCLcB/s1600/1-28-17natlulureiki.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HNaEPbhD9A4/WLnN5OLElwI/AAAAAAAAFOM/wyMQStfBm1009d8YQ0AtECA7ooHFMDlZQCLcB/s320/1-28-17natlulureiki.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is important to keep trying new things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I think there is always progress that can be made when working with shy, fearful and feral cats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And that it is always worthwhile to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Y56lH3ZgFoA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y56lH3ZgFoA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br />A recent example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Natalia has always tended to be head-shy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So I generally will stroke her on the back first, as that is where she is most comfortable.&nbsp; To help her get accustomed to being touched on the head, I would just do a couple of TTouches on the head, and go back to the body, where she is comfortable.&nbsp; I also found that using the Zigzag TTouches on her head (they are usually done on the body), has been helpful.&nbsp; Above and below are videos showing some of the ways I have been able to work with her to help her be more comfortable.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Rtocv7oHX0c/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rtocv7oHX0c?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br />Lulu is more comfortable than Natalia with handling in general.&nbsp; But brushing is something that she has limited patience with, so I am experimenting with different types of brushes to see what works for her.&nbsp; And I am still continuing to make progress with her as far as handling goes as well. Just to give you an idea of how far she has come from her initial fearfulness/feralness, here is a video I made of her recently, showing some TTouches that are helpful for cats who overgroom:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aAV130L1kAg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aAV130L1kAg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br />Moving forward with being able to touch and handle a cat has practical applications as well as being able to feel a closer bond with your animal spiritually as well as physically.&nbsp; For example, helping an animal to be comfortable being touched on the head, body and extremities such as paws and tail is really helpful if you have to give them medication, or if you need to look at a bump or scrape or the like, or clean the ears, etc.&nbsp; We have not been able to get to nail clipping, and I think something such as giving eye drops would be really hard, but being able to handle the cats better and better has been a huge help, and we are continually progressing, so that is great!<br />And keep in mind progress does not always take place in a straight line.&nbsp; Sometimes there will be a real breakthrough with something, and then the next day you are still back where you were before.&nbsp; That can happen at times, but don't be discouraged.&nbsp; Continue to meet the cat where they are that particular day, and find where they are comfortable.&nbsp; From that place you can gently see what little step you may be able to take that day.<br /><br />A month or so ago I needed to get Lulu in a carrier to get her to the vet, which I had thought would be such an impossible task.&nbsp; It did take two of us to do it, but I think she knew we were trying to help her, and it did not end up being such a big deal as I thought it might be.&nbsp; For me, the best thing I did in that moment was take a deep breath, calm myself, and act as if this was just going to happen. Taking a few seconds even, just to look inward and calm oneself, especially before doing something challenging with an animal, is so valuable. And even when we are getting ready just to try some TTouches or spend a quiet moment with our animals, it is really of value to check in with ourselves first and let go of our tensions and worries as best we can.<br />Animals have so much to teach us.&nbsp; We just have to quiet ourselves and listen to what they have to say.&nbsp; I learn from them every day.&nbsp; And am continually reminded too, of how valuable it is to start each session with an open mind and heart, releasing expectations.&nbsp; It is when you can truly be in the moment with the animals that the most amazing things can happen.<br />Love you Natalia and Lulu!&nbsp; and look forward to continuing our adventures together every single day. xoxo<br /><br /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/u0MgdBwe8jA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/03/my-journey-with-natalia-and-lulu-five.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-8709048691602168852017-02-24T16:59:00.002-05:002017-02-24T16:59:49.048-05:00Connecting with Pearlie: Increasing Comfort and Ease for a Sweet Senior Cat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHaPI-hI1Os/WLCq3n0fRZI/AAAAAAAAFNU/OrCSyBp-l40AmomI_z-90uAz2q6C1q6yACLcB/s1600/2-23-14pearly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHaPI-hI1Os/WLCq3n0fRZI/AAAAAAAAFNU/OrCSyBp-l40AmomI_z-90uAz2q6C1q6yACLcB/s320/2-23-14pearly.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Pearlie is a beautiful senior kitty who I have been working with for a couple of years.&nbsp; I started out working with her dear sister Lucy (who sadly passed last year), who had arthritis (and later other issues), and soon began working with Pearlie as well.&nbsp; Pearlie and Lucy's person Kate is a lovely person and an amazing cat guardian, giving them both the best of care - always so thoughtful and attentive to their every need.<br /><br />Pearlie has kidney issues, as well as arthritis, so whatever I can do to help her be more relaxed and comfortable is beneficial.&nbsp; I have mostly been working with Reiki, and recently have been incorporating some TTouch and <a href="http://debonomoves.com/" target="_blank">Debono Moves</a> as well.&nbsp; Reiki can help the body and mind to be as balanced as possible.&nbsp; TTouch (developed by Linda Tellington-Jones) and Debono Moves (developed by Mary Debono) both grew out of the Feldenkrais Method.&nbsp; These techniques are subtle, gentle, primarily hands-on techniques (they can also be done off the body).&nbsp; I have found that these techniques complement each other really well.<br /><br />Pearlie is a very sensitive cat, so she mostly prefers that I share Reiki with her from a short distance away.&nbsp; As time has gone on, she has been more comfortable with me being closer, and I have also been able to slowly introduce the other techniques with her, always going with a pace she is comfortable with.<br /><br />In the last couple of sessions, she has been getting progressively more at ease with this combination, so I wanted to share some of what I did in her most recent session:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cE7nXRf_es/WLCoK5Rv_KI/AAAAAAAAFNM/QryHHZZCFQ020mjE-KpjMeAR7aZT5pjSwCEw/s1600/reikiwithpearlie%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cE7nXRf_es/WLCoK5Rv_KI/AAAAAAAAFNM/QryHHZZCFQ020mjE-KpjMeAR7aZT5pjSwCEw/s320/reikiwithpearlie%2B003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Pearlie was settled on the couch comfortably, so I sat near her, said hello and let the Reiki start flowing.&nbsp; Shortly after making the connection through Reiki, I sensed she was open to me making physical contact with her, so I gradually moved closer and started doing some gentle TTouches on her forehead with the back of one finger (the flat part of fingernail in contact).&nbsp; She relaxed into this nicely.<br /><br />She was on her left side, with her right side facing me, so I gently rested my left hand on her side, barely touching her.&nbsp; I did a slow lift of her muscles, then an even slower release of the tissue (Debono muscle lifts).&nbsp; I imagined each lift as a supportive movement, and each release creating more space and more relaxation. After each release I would have my hand slightly off her, then would put my hand gently back on her side, just a little further down her back than before.&nbsp; As I slowly worked my way down her side, she grew more and more sleepy, and I felt her very peaceful. We were both completely one with the movement and the moment, and I felt more ease and relaxation after each release.<br /><br />When my hand was down around where her hip is, I rested my whole hand over her hip area, and began to imagine my hand doing a very slow circle there (Debono hip circles, which are usually done in conjunction with shoulder circles).&nbsp;&nbsp; After a while, I started moving my hand in a very subtle circle - barely a movement, done more with my intention than anything.&nbsp; I did the circles in one direction for a while, then changed to the other direction.&nbsp; Pearlie was now completely stretched out and relaxing into the movement.&nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYOyYto4JXI/WLCnWZqaABI/AAAAAAAAFNA/FQhDgieZ6Ms491H5bD9-UyHS1zyjgEjNACEw/s1600/pearlie%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYOyYto4JXI/WLCnWZqaABI/AAAAAAAAFNA/FQhDgieZ6Ms491H5bD9-UyHS1zyjgEjNACEw/s320/pearlie%2B001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />When I did this sequence the week before, she had begun purring.&nbsp; At this moment, she didn't, but I felt her totally at ease.&nbsp;<br /><br />As she continued to lay in this position, I imagined doing this same sequence on the other side of her body. Then I slowly took my left hand slightly off her body and just let the Reiki flow with my hands still, one near her head and one near her tail.&nbsp; There was a very sleepy, dreamlike feeling as we shared the energy quietly together.&nbsp; I incorporate these still moments with the times where I am moving, to let the animal rest and process what we have done.&nbsp; So we are not actually still - at least not still like a statue - the energy is flowing and the mind and body are processing information.<br /><br />I then did some clouded leopard TTouches (circular TTouches with the pads of the fingers touching) on the toes on her back paws.&nbsp; I was barely touching her toes - very light pressure.&nbsp; Then I lightly held each of her toes, one by one, moving each one a little bit.&nbsp; This was all to give her system more awareness in her feet, and to remind her feet and toes of the movement potential there.<br /><br />After that, I paused, letting her system absorb all the work we had done.<br /><br />Next, Pearlie got up and took a bit of a break, then walked towards the bedroom, checking to see if I would come with her, and settled in on top of the cover of the heater, where it was nice and toasty warm.&nbsp; Interestingly enough, she laid on her right side this time, with her left side towards me.&nbsp; As if to say, please work on this side now:)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwhwu1X-lcA/WLCnsUiL1CI/AAAAAAAAFM8/7a0ZHzNb39QwVT1leBfYa6CT7QD1cuxVgCEw/s1600/pearlieresting%2B002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwhwu1X-lcA/WLCnsUiL1CI/AAAAAAAAFM8/7a0ZHzNb39QwVT1leBfYa6CT7QD1cuxVgCEw/s320/pearlieresting%2B002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I did the sequence of the muscle lifts, followed by the hip circles, on her left side.&nbsp; When I got to the hip circles, she started purring, pretty loudly, which is unusual for her.&nbsp; Kate told me that often one has to put their ear very close to hear Pearlie purr.&nbsp; Pearlie stared at me as if to tell me how cozy she was.<br /><br />Then, as an experiment, I put my other hand slightly above her shoulder, doing some slow circles there above her body as I continued the hip circles.&nbsp; I had not done this earlier because I felt that putting both my hands on Pearlie's body would be too much.&nbsp; However, Pearlie was completely comfortable with this and began purring again.&nbsp; I put my hand lightly on her shoulder, continuing the slow circles for a short period of time with one hand over her shoulder area and one over her hip area. <br /><br />At that point I let the movement go, and just kept still, continuing to let the Reiki flow.&nbsp; Then I finished the session, thanking Pearlie, thanking Reiki, Debono Moves, and TTouch:)<br /><br />Keep in mind that all of this took a bit over an hour, and all the movements were very slow.&nbsp; If I had sensed Pearlie becoming uncomfortable in any way, I would have stopped the movement, given Pearlie a break and continued the session with my hands off, etc.&nbsp; It is always important to go with what the animal is comfortable with, so that they feel it as a positive experience, and as something they enjoy and look forward to.<br /><br />Thank you so much Pearlie!&nbsp; I love you and can't want to see you again and continue our explorations together:)<br /><br />And please check out <a href="http://debonomoves.com/" target="_blank">Mary Debono'</a>s website for more about her technique, and my <a href="http://youtube.com/sarahsuricat" target="_blank">youtube channel </a>for some demos of TTouch, etc.:)<br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/UgtPBkuR-Qo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com1http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/02/connecting-with-pearlie-increasing.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-65229515997447348782017-02-10T13:54:00.003-05:002017-02-11T23:15:59.823-05:00Sharing a Calm Space with BJ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3KUFqFw42Cs/WJjpM4YNAYI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/RYV1DBUhjGQOTwSNThRRQoMlPzD1oOqEgCLcB/s1600/2-5-17bjafterreikigood%2B%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3KUFqFw42Cs/WJjpM4YNAYI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/RYV1DBUhjGQOTwSNThRRQoMlPzD1oOqEgCLcB/s320/2-5-17bjafterreikigood%2B%25285%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>BJ</i></div><br />BJ is a beautiful black cat.&nbsp; He lives with two wonderful people, Amy and Matthew, and kitty friend Ramona (Mona).&nbsp; They recently moved, which is stressful for BJ, and he has been exhibiting signs of stress, including over-grooming.&nbsp; This is something that happened with a previous move.&nbsp; He is a very sensitive cat, and he needs some help in easing out of his anxiety.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XEcnxFwugk/WJjpTE00bMI/AAAAAAAAFMU/9Ub6PiLBq74Amf7SIcOMKZQyCIuw-ifKQCEw/s1600/bj%2B%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XEcnxFwugk/WJjpTE00bMI/AAAAAAAAFMU/9Ub6PiLBq74Amf7SIcOMKZQyCIuw-ifKQCEw/s320/bj%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mona and BJ</i></div>I started working with them about a month ago.&nbsp; They had already been using a Thundershirt, which is great.&nbsp; I showed them how to use a TTouch wrap, to have as an alternative to the Thundershirt.&nbsp; I also showed them some basic TTouches, as TTouch is so helpful in calming the nervous system, and can help to remind him that he can feel calm. I have showed them some basic clicker training, as BJ is very food-motivated, and this activity can help him to be more focused and can distract him from the constant grooming. And I have encouraged them to meditate with BJ as well.&nbsp; Perhaps because he is so sensitive, he has been very responsive to the Reiki sessions we have done. And so far he has been responsive when they have meditated with him.<br />He has been making progress, coming out into more of the space in the apartment and finding places where he enjoys relaxing, such as on the windowsill. And as of last week, he was grooming less, which is really good.<br /><br />For the Reiki sessions, I just sit on the floor in a comfortable position with him in the room, and Amy and Matthew can sit quietly wherever they wish.&nbsp; BJ is welcome to go wherever he pleases.&nbsp; I am sharing the Reiki space with him, and it is his choice as to where he is comfortable receiving the energy.<br /><br />In the first two sessions, he started out being very restless, but I just continued to let the energy flow, letting him know he was loved, he was safe, and he was welcome to take as much or little energy as he needed.&nbsp; Both times he ended up settling into Amy's lap, and over some time stopped grooming and relaxed into a very peaceful sleeping position there.&nbsp; <br /><br />The third session was a distant session, as both Amy and Matthew were out of town.&nbsp; I felt a very strong connection, and as you can see in the picture below, my cat Natalia was sending her own good vibes to him from nearby.&nbsp; My other cat, Lulu, was also present on the other side of me, enjoying the relaxing energy.&nbsp; The photo near my hand is a photo of BJ, as that helps me in connecting with him.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuh-YBNl_2c/WJjptug7EnI/AAAAAAAAFMc/AG0VfnltOHccl6c_MhYXRnzyHY0lseshACEw/s1600/1-21-17reikibjnatalia%2B%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuh-YBNl_2c/WJjptug7EnI/AAAAAAAAFMc/AG0VfnltOHccl6c_MhYXRnzyHY0lseshACEw/s320/1-21-17reikibjnatalia%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />In the fourth session, Amy was not present. I shared with Matthew a meditation that I call the "healing bubble meditation", during which you create a space of healing and light, and invite the animal into the space.&nbsp; As we did the meditation, BJ circled around Matthew, very interested in what was going on.&nbsp; I know he could sense the calm energy around him.&nbsp; And he looked at my lap as though he was thinking about sitting there, but not quite yet.<br />After that, I worked with BJ, and shortly after I began letting the energy flow, he went ahead and settle right on my lap.&nbsp; He was not grooming for that entire time, was just absorbing the energy. As BJ is quite shy, that was a big show of trust on his part.<br />I felt him so peaceful and quiet, and it seemed like such a relief for him to feel such stillness.&nbsp; And it seemed he was realizing that it was possible for him to feel this calmness.<br />I think the more often that he can be reminded of that feeling, the more easily he will be able to find it on his own.&nbsp; So that is why TTouch and Reiki and meditation can be so helpful - to remind the body and mind that mental and physical peace is possible.<br />After a long while, he needed a break and went to go sit on an easy chair.&nbsp; He started to groom himself.&nbsp; I continued to let the energy flow, and he began to slowly calm down.&nbsp; I very gradually began to move a bit closer to him, and followed my intuition to try a few TTouches with the back of one finger (flat part of fingernail) at a slow tempo.<br />I did just a few circular TTouches, and he stopped grooming.<br />Then he started up again a bit, and I did a few slow TTouches on his forehead with one finger.&nbsp; I slowed down the TTouches as I went.&nbsp; He stopped grooming and settled down.<br />I gave him breaks here and there as I continued working.&nbsp; All the while I was letting the Reiki continue to flow.&nbsp; I did some slow TTouches going down one side of his back, then the other with the back of my fingers with a snail's tail (after the circle and a quarter you pause, then release your hand back in the other direction a quarter circle).&nbsp; The back of the fingers can feel more gentle and less invasive than the front surfaces, as there is less heat coming from the back of your hands.<br />BJ was getting very relaxed and sleepy by this point.&nbsp; Sometimes I would just keep my hands still and let the Reiki flow, and other times I would be doing the TTouches with the Reiki flowing. Mona came over near where we were, as though she wanted to be a part of the energy.<br />Please see the video below for a demo of some of the TTouches I did with him (I made the video after the session, with my cat Lulu as the demo cat). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aAV130L1kAg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aAV130L1kAg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br />In last week's session, both Amy and Matthew were present.&nbsp; I had spoken to them about positive visualization, and Amy said that they were focusing on that more.&nbsp; And that things were going better in general with BJ.<br />Seeing an animal in a positive light can be so important.&nbsp; When an animal has an ongoing issue, such as overgrooming, we can start to have a constant image of the animal overgrooming.&nbsp; Instead, it is more useful to start seeing the animal as healed and whole - to start seeing him as strong, relaxed, and peaceful, for example.&nbsp; I use a lot of visualization when I am working with an animal, and I did in the session that followed.<br />Again, in the beginning of the Reiki session, BJ was a bit restless, but before too long, he sat straight up on the arm of the couch (next to where Amy was sitting).<br />He sat there very still, as though he was sitting as still as he could to feel the energy.<br />I was seeing him as a much larger cat than he physically is.&nbsp; I saw him strong and confident and larger than life. I connected with his inner light, and began to feel a connection between his inner light and the light that was surrounding him.&nbsp; That it was all the same beautiful light.&nbsp; He stayed in this still sitting position for a long, long time - most of the session.&nbsp; It was not a stiff position though - it was a posture of just taking in the energy, and of being peaceful, and feeling what that peacefulness is. I could feel his inner beauty radiating.<br />At a couple of points, he started to do a few motions as though he would start grooming, and then he decided not to, and stayed still again.&nbsp; A couple of times when he looked as though he was going to start grooming, Amy just touched him lightly and he became calm again.<br />Realizing, I don't have to do this, I can be peaceful.<br />Eventually, he settled into Amy's lap and got very peaceful there.&nbsp; I slowly moved near him and was able to do some calming TTouches with him.&nbsp; Hooray (I said that inside myself quietly!)! <br />Thank you BJ, Matthew, Amy, and Mona!&nbsp; You are all doing a wonderful job. I look forward to seeing you all soon and to further work with BJ:)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/JkS32KxdRsk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/02/sharing-calm-space-with-bj.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-82879781343949007372017-01-24T12:54:00.000-05:002017-01-25T13:04:26.637-05:00Riding the Ups and Downs with Mr. Ji<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msV0gfTA8_o/WID0jmUrvWI/AAAAAAAAFL8/wb7UQcaFO_cJpaXqWI749xJiiWh7y3WfgCLcB/s1600/1-19-17mrjiafterreiki%2B001%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msV0gfTA8_o/WID0jmUrvWI/AAAAAAAAFL8/wb7UQcaFO_cJpaXqWI749xJiiWh7y3WfgCLcB/s320/1-19-17mrjiafterreiki%2B001%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />I have been working with Mr. Ji for some weeks now, and he has been responding so well.<br /><br />Mr. Ji is a delightful senior Shitzu, a little dog with a big spirit.&nbsp; He has musculoskeletal issues, apparently spinal stenosis.&nbsp; He has some feeling in his back legs but they cannot support him, so Niseema (Mr. Ji's amazing person) has a customized cart for him which helps him get around very well.&nbsp; He tends to twist to one side, and has a lot of tension in his upper body because it is working very hard to help the rest of his body get around. <br /><br />But when I arrived at Niseema and Mr. Ji's place the week before last, he did not look good.&nbsp; He was having spasms and seemed very uncomfortable.&nbsp; Niseema said the trouble had started yesterday.<br /><br />I sat down near him and set my intent to create as quiet and calm a space as I could for both Mr. Ji and Niseema.<br /><br />As Mr. Ji was very sensitive, I kept my hands a short distance away from him for Reiki.&nbsp; I started to let the energy flow, and pictured a healing bubble around us.&nbsp; Niseema sat down and held Mr. Ji to help him feel more at ease as well.&nbsp; If Mr. Ji cannot get comfortable on the couch, Niseema will hold him and usually he settles down.<br /><br />As I continued, I slowly started to see Mr. Ji show some signs he was feeling more comfortable.<br /><br />And then, Niseema began to do some slow TTouches down Mr. Ji's back.&nbsp; I could see another level of relaxation begin to happen.<br /><br />By the end of the session, Mr. Ji was definitely much more at ease.&nbsp; And I was so happy to hear from Niseema later on that Mr. Ji seemed to have turned a corner - after the session he was more comfortable walking, and then he went to the vet for a cold laser treatment, which helped him feel even better.<br /><br />This past week when I went to see him, I could see he was so much better, he had a lively energy to him and it felt like light was around him.&nbsp; So beautiful to see.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzK71aVr16A/WID0s7wdVSI/AAAAAAAAFMA/TcFU4LQsHkYCHBTnCNWl9xSGZF5P12u-QCLcB/s1600/1-19-17mrjiafterreiki%2B001%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzK71aVr16A/WID0s7wdVSI/AAAAAAAAFMA/TcFU4LQsHkYCHBTnCNWl9xSGZF5P12u-QCLcB/s320/1-19-17mrjiafterreiki%2B001%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a>This time, he was comfortable with my hands on. Which showed me he was more comfortable altogether.<br /><br />Niseema held him for most of the session.&nbsp; I began with Reiki with my hands around his lower back, then did some <a href="http://debonomoves.com/" target="_blank">Debono Moves</a> muscle lifts going down one side of his back, then the other.&nbsp; Debono Moves is a very gentle modality, developed by Mary Debono, that is based on Feldenkrais work, as is TTouch, but I think it is even more subtle.&nbsp; I did the muscle lifts extremely slowly, with the image that I was supporting his back, that he could breathe into my hands.&nbsp; I felt him getting more and more comfortable as I worked.<br /><br />After that, I had my hands on either side of his lower back, and had an image of him walking freely, with his legs moving comfortably.&nbsp; I did not move my hands, but just imagined as I held my hands there that one hip and hind leg was moving forward, then the other - that he was walking.&nbsp; As I continued working with him, sometimes my hands were on him and other times just off, as my intuition guided me.&nbsp; And I kept seeing that mental image of him walking freely, without actually moving my hands on his body.&nbsp; Continuing to let the Reiki flow throughout the session.<br /><br />Niseema gently placed him down on the couch on his side next to me, and he settled in comfortably.&nbsp; At that point I had one hand just off his chest and the other just off his lower back.&nbsp; I felt the energy was traveling through his whole body.&nbsp; He became so peaceful.&nbsp; So lovely to see him so at ease, particularly when I thought about what the situation had been just the previous week.<br /><br />Ups and downs are usually part of the territory when working with an animal with challenges such as Mr. Ji has, but fortunately Reiki and the other gentle modalities I use can often help the animal to be more comfortable and as much in balance as is possible, given the situation.&nbsp; And Niseema is doing everything possible (and then some!) to help Mr. Ji to be as happy and healthy as possible.<br /><br />Sending good vibes for continued comfort and health for dear Mr. Ji:)&nbsp; xoxo&nbsp; And thank you Niseema for giving this sweet dog so much love and care.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/1C6BK6yf4nY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/01/riding-ups-and-downs-with-mr-ji.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-54838390297700691092017-01-17T09:34:00.001-05:002017-01-17T11:57:14.819-05:00Distance Reiki with Willow: A Healing Circle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3chj4-AeXM/WH04O5fp5BI/AAAAAAAAFLY/XmeL2FKSKscGVxAq03jJx1sYhFmk73TBQCLcB/s1600/leeswillow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3chj4-AeXM/WH04O5fp5BI/AAAAAAAAFLY/XmeL2FKSKscGVxAq03jJx1sYhFmk73TBQCLcB/s320/leeswillow.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Willow is a beautiful grey kitten, about five months old.&nbsp; When I first went to visit her, she was having trouble with upper respiratory infections, as well as intermittent related issues such as lack of appetite, lethargy and some wobbliness in her walking.&nbsp; She is under veterinary care, and was taking medication for a period of time.&nbsp; The doctors have not at the moment found the source of the wobbliness, but her balance has gotten better since it first appeared.</span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">After I did an in-person Reiki session with Willow, Lee had a powerful Animal Communication session with the wonderful <a href="http://www.suepikeenergy.com/" target="_blank">Sue Pike</a>.&nbsp; Sue recommended that Lee have me do daily 10-minute Reiki sessions <span style="font-family: inherit;">with </span>Willow for a month.</span></span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">My two cats, Natalia and Lulu, usually receive Reiki twice a day, after their morning and evening meals, settling on either side of me on the bed.&nbsp; I have been doing Willow’s sessions after our morning Reiki.&nbsp; </span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Often I will place a photo of the animal in my lap for a distant session, and it helps me connect with the animal.&nbsp; </span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I started letting the Reiki flow to Willow, I closed my eyes for a bit and began to really feel she was there.&nbsp; It was as though her spirit was <span style="font-family: inherit;">with me</span>, and she was larger than life.&nbsp; I felt her nestle in my lap, and felt her fur on my arms.&nbsp; I felt an intense light and energy around us.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIwJ5yxF7IU/WH05LPlpkpI/AAAAAAAAFLo/3GP_t9-C87kJU6iBeI-BjuSOcab5JIBhACEw/s1600/nataliareiki%2B002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIwJ5yxF7IU/WH05LPlpkpI/AAAAAAAAFLo/3GP_t9-C87kJU6iBeI-BjuSOcab5JIBhACEw/s320/nataliareiki%2B002.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I opened my eyes and saw that Natalia was looking in my direction, as though she was watching what was happening, and that she was a part of the energy flow, offering some of her own energy to Willow.&nbsp; It also seemed like she was feeling the relaxing vibes, just grooving on it with her eyes half closed.&nbsp; Lulu was completely curled up asleep.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lb5K9F_5QBg/WH05gvnaMOI/AAAAAAAAFLs/4eThT7BBl2I54Upqhllb_Ya1XmHTO3n-gCEw/s1600/reikinatlulu%2B002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lb5K9F_5QBg/WH05gvnaMOI/AAAAAAAAFLs/4eThT7BBl2I54Upqhllb_Ya1XmHTO3n-gCEw/s320/reikinatlulu%2B002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A</span> few weeks ago, I was feeling stressed about something.&nbsp; When I started the session with Willow, Natalia put her paws on my lap, right by Willow’s picture.&nbsp; Suddenly I felt myself let go, becoming one with the energy from Natalia, Lulu, and Willow. I felt all three of them healing me.&nbsp; I felt connected with them and with all of life, feeling the oneness of everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reiki energy goes where i<span style="font-family: inherit;">t is needed, <span style="font-family: inherit;">which is why it is so important t<span style="font-family: inherit;">o </span></span>keep an open mind and heart, </span>and to release expectations about what may happen.&nbsp; Some of the most amazing things can happen when one is t<span style="font-family: inherit;">ruly <span style="font-family: inherit;">open and in the moment.&nbsp; Natalia reminded me to <span style="font-family: inherit;">simply </span>be there, in the moment, in the middle of <span style="font-family: inherit;">all the <span style="font-family: inherit;">beautiful, loving energy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since that session, Natalia will come and put her paws on me or on Willow’s picture, or sometimes just face in my direction, becoming part of the healing. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aoTjtlq3D5A/WH04YQFIlII/AAAAAAAAFLc/KGEwu8pXk6EIlMNcycKRxxCnOXk0ajC9QCEw/s1600/willowafterreiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aoTjtlq3D5A/WH04YQFIlII/AAAAAAAAFLc/KGEwu8pXk6EIlMNcycKRxxCnOXk0ajC9QCEw/s320/willowafterreiki.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">As I have continued the sessions, I have to felt Willow’s energy become stronger and stronger.&nbsp; I began to feel that her internal light was becoming brighter.&nbsp; And even when I look at the same photo I have been using of her, I feel her emanating light and energy.&nbsp; <span style="font-family: inherit;">Her eyes seem brighter<span style="font-family: inherit;">, and generally she seem<span style="font-family: inherit;">s stronger physically and <span style="font-family: inherit;">energetically</span>.&nbsp; </span></span></span>And the stron<span style="font-family: inherit;">ger that I feel <span style="font-family: inherit;">Willow's </span>energy, the more casual Natalia seems in her connection - she <span style="font-family: inherit;">will now most often just look in the direction of Willow's picture, rath<span style="font-family: inherit;">er than putting her paw directly on it.&nbsp; </span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A couple of weeks ago, Lee ha<span style="font-family: inherit;">d said Willow was doing much better, and when I checked in <span style="font-family: inherit;">with <span style="font-family: inherit;">him today, I was <span style="font-family: inherit;">delighted to hear that she has been great, that </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">she is doing really well now.</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Willow has two handsome kitty brothers,&nbsp;Remington and Quinn<span style="font-family: inherit;">.&nbsp; I am doing distant Reiki sessions with them as well now - so I will look forward to shar<span style="font-family: inherit;">i<span style="font-family: inherit;">ng</span></span> more about them another time:)&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you Willow, and to my Natalia and <span style="font-family: inherit;">Lulu<span style="font-family: inherit;">.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am remind<span style="font-family: inherit;">ed of the Reiki prece<span style="font-family: inherit;">pt "Be humble."&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Working with the animals can be one of the mos<span style="font-family: inherit;">t beautiful and humbling experiences one can have.&nbsp; I am honored to hav<span style="font-family: inherit;">e these experiences, and thank the animals every <span style="font-family: inherit;">da<span style="font-family: inherit;">y for sharing the<span style="font-family: inherit;">ir love and wisdom with me.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> The animals have so much to teach us, if we can only qu<span style="font-family: inherit;">iet our own minds enough to listen.</span></span></span> </span></span></span><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/6HJjQqVEZQI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2017/01/distance-reiki-with-willow-healing.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-65254712766704892172016-12-06T15:33:00.002-05:002016-12-06T15:33:18.645-05:00Sharing the Light with Mr. Ji<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbUT-H9EixM/WEcftYDfRNI/AAAAAAAAFK8/F7gaJEID0CIo2fxBsJyPmXw5kEWhidE_gCLcB/s1600/mrjifromniseema%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbUT-H9EixM/WEcftYDfRNI/AAAAAAAAFK8/F7gaJEID0CIo2fxBsJyPmXw5kEWhidE_gCLcB/s320/mrjifromniseema%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Mr. Ji is a little senior Shitzu with a big spirit.&nbsp; His caretaker, Niseema, is a skilled massage therapist (for people) and is giving him amazing love and care.&nbsp; I was contacted to see what I could do to help Mr. Ji's comfort level.<br />He has musculoskeletal issues, apparently spinal stenosis.&nbsp; He has some feeling in his back legs but they cannot support him, so Niseema has a customized cart for him which helps him get around very well.&nbsp; He tends to twist to one side, and has a lot of tension in his upper body because it is working very hard to help the rest of his body get around.<br />I have been working with him with a combination of Reiki, TTouch and Debono Moves (Feldenkrais work adapted for animals).&nbsp; I keep my mind, heart and body open and he helps show me what is most comfortable for him that day.&nbsp; I have shown Niseema some of the work so she has been able to do it with him as well, which is great!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdBCgPl1MXw/WEcfuEfZxbI/AAAAAAAAFLA/oIclRINbU-IlU8im_Cyo-i_3H4IvpFt0QCEw/s1600/mrjifromniseema%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdBCgPl1MXw/WEcfuEfZxbI/AAAAAAAAFLA/oIclRINbU-IlU8im_Cyo-i_3H4IvpFt0QCEw/s320/mrjifromniseema%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Today was an especially beautiful, peaceful session.&nbsp; It generally takes him a while to settle into a position which is comfortable for him, but today that seemed to happen more quickly.&nbsp; One thing that Niseema told me later was that they had an animal communicator help them a few days ago, and that the session was very productive -- that he had generally seemed more at ease after that.&nbsp; She had contacted the communicator to see if Mr. Ji was still present and wanting to be on the earthly plane, and the communicator had sensed that he still was very much here and wanting to be here.<br />Niseema put a rolled up small blanket along his side so that he could have support there.&nbsp; He seemed comfortable leaning against it.&nbsp; I started letting Reiki flow.&nbsp; I intuitively put a hand underneath his belly, picturing him as though he were standing even though he was on his side.&nbsp; I was feeling he wanted support there.&nbsp; I made a very subtle lifting motion, barely perceptible, then did a long release.&nbsp; Each time I released, I imagined breath and light expanding into his body.&nbsp; As I did this subtle motion, I felt him become very peaceful and still and comfortable. I felt my hands become one with his body, feeling him breathe and expand into my hands.&nbsp; I would do the subtle movement for a while, then stop and just imagine it.<br />I had my other hand gently against the top of his back, not putting pressure there but just resting there and feeling the Reiki energy flowing from both my hands.&nbsp; I felt the energy flowing from my hands through his body, feeling it going all the way into his head, feet, tail.<br />I pictured light inside of him and surrounding him, the Reiki energy merging with his own bright light that exists inside.&nbsp; The bright light that resides inside all of us, even when a being is older or not well.&nbsp; It might be just a flicker, but connecting with that flicker can help the light to grow and expand.<br />I felt him so calm and peaceful.<br /><br /><br />Then I started to picture just the slightest movement around, as though I was lifting around the cylindrical shape of his body in one direction, and then in the other.&nbsp; Again, I was mostly thinking the motion rather than actually doing it.&nbsp; But I could feel the slight rhythm and expansiveness of it.&nbsp; Then I would pause and let that go.<br />There were long stretches where I would simply let the Reiki flow with my hands still.&nbsp; Just feeling the expanse of the energy through his body, the light and the energy relaxing him.&nbsp; His peacefulness and the quiet and peace throughout the room.<br />He has a strong, big spirit and I felt that during the session.&nbsp; It often happens that I feel the animal I am working with as being very big, as though I am connection with their spirit rather than the confines of their body.&nbsp; I visualized him walking with ease, using all four of his feet.&nbsp; Feeling grass underneath his feet and walking with ease.&nbsp; Feeling his body supported and his feet on the ground.&nbsp; <br />After about an hour, I felt the Reiki energy starting to ease off, and I gently ended the session.&nbsp; Niseema said that they would both probably take a nap now:)<br />Thank you Niseema and Mr. Ji!&nbsp; Look forward to learning and sharing with you more and more. xxoo<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/0QkjGyQqMIk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com1http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2016/12/sharing-light-with-mr-ji.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-67715750268786296092016-10-26T16:34:00.000-04:002016-10-26T16:34:41.950-04:00Reiki III and Teacher Training at Brighthaven Sanctuary with Kathleen Prasad: A Beautiful Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79BsyUkZAPQ/WAYsfDrhVaI/AAAAAAAAFF4/WhI0OyRL6volEYypIxuHceXbHCDOkePOQCLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79BsyUkZAPQ/WAYsfDrhVaI/AAAAAAAAFF4/WhI0OyRL6volEYypIxuHceXbHCDOkePOQCLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Me and Buffy</i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> 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mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A few months ago, I received a scholarship to take the Animal Reiki III teacher training with Kathleen Prasad at BrightHaven Animal Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; Though </span>I had already been through Master level Reiki training with my wonderful teacher, Sheryl Schlameuss Berger (who studied with Kathleen), I had read Kathleen’s books and quite a few of her articles, as well as hearing her speak in the meetings of the Shelter Animal Reiki Association (I am a member), and I became interested in studying directly with Kathleen, particularly as her focus is on working with animals. I wanted to learn more about her approach and about her way of teaching Animal Reiki.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poQkT9OLcjw/WAYuINzu5KI/AAAAAAAAFHY/QHSij2x8AEg7WHLI6e-pPbb31JyMSa7sACEw/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poQkT9OLcjw/WAYuINzu5KI/AAAAAAAAFHY/QHSij2x8AEg7WHLI6e-pPbb31JyMSa7sACEw/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;<i>Ivy</i></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had also heard so much about BrightHaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>My friend Cookie, who works with Homeless Cat Network (where I have taught TTouch workshops) had been telling me for years about Kathleen, Leah, and about BrightHaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrzToNPakBc/WAYzX_AzHkI/AAAAAAAAFHs/AmBp9hq5vbU9ReL3u3CDXbqzakxU5QBhgCLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrzToNPakBc/WAYzX_AzHkI/AAAAAAAAFHs/AmBp9hq5vbU9ReL3u3CDXbqzakxU5QBhgCLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Johnny</i></span> </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I knew I was in for a special experience, but I had no idea about how amazing it would truly be.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5GSRNldXsM/WAe6JOCnVOI/AAAAAAAAFI8/ki-ELA4WK78_v7T3j_noxO46Xr2sV0VNwCLcB/s1600/bhclassphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5GSRNldXsM/WAe6JOCnVOI/AAAAAAAAFI8/ki-ELA4WK78_v7T3j_noxO46Xr2sV0VNwCLcB/s320/bhclassphoto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Our Reiki class: Me, Joannie, Kathleen Prasad, Jeanne, Pat, Nora</i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kathleen is such a real, caring, generous, understanding and compassionate person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She guided five other students and me on an incredible learning journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I learned new avenues for reaching a deeper place with Reiki, and I learned a lot about myself as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It was lovely to feel confirmation about things I had been doing intuitively but wasn’t sure about, and my mind was opened to new ways of thinking and being which I think will deepen my practice as well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The animals were, as they always are, such amazing teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And it was so interesting to experience connections with animals who I don’t generally work with or even see in the city environment of New York City</span><span style="font-family: &quot;wingdings&quot;;">.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4f776ToeZxo/WAY0Zpug1KI/AAAAAAAAFH0/uSZrhkZG0T0Eg3qW84UiuKaou2GEn7FcACLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4f776ToeZxo/WAY0Zpug1KI/AAAAAAAAFH0/uSZrhkZG0T0Eg3qW84UiuKaou2GEn7FcACLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B075.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Odie (goose) and friends</i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BrightHaven is a beautiful sanctuary in the Santa Rosa area in California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>There is a ranch-style house which incorporates fenced-in areas which hold different animals such as ducks and geese, and there is closed fencing around the house and over the top so that the cats can go in and out of the house and still be in a safe, contained environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Inside the house, everywhere you look are cozy spaces for the cats (and a few small dogs) to hang out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The house has a really comfortable feeling to it, and a very spiritual feeling to it as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zsy0VLZLtSk/WAfL5NNcyTI/AAAAAAAAFKY/7jmEkLrWpGIy0eFagKQBFMquv-4DHBV-wCLcB/s1600/brighthavengroupextra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zsy0VLZLtSk/WAfL5NNcyTI/AAAAAAAAFKY/7jmEkLrWpGIy0eFagKQBFMquv-4DHBV-wCLcB/s320/brighthavengroupextra.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Another class photo:)</i></div><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Outside the house are a number of fenced-in areas where horses, burros, cows and pigs live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>As we were taken on our initial tour around the place, I was so excited to be in this magical place.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The sanctuary is run by Richard and Gail Pope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They take in older animals and animals with special needs such as mobility issues, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The animals are given natural diets and holistic care, including homeopathy and Reiki.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Clearly they are well cared for and attended to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The Popes are extremely dedicated and they have a wonderful staff to help them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Richard was present during parts of the class, and it was great to hear from him as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Vicki, who is the Operations Manager there, and extremely dedicated as well, was so kind and helpful to us throughout the workshop.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now, on to some adventures that happened there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I could probably write a book about the three days, but am going to focus on some moments with my animal teachers there.&nbsp; Before I do that, here are some photos of my fellow students:</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TztEFWmXVpc/WAe62BFpo3I/AAAAAAAAFJI/UR6Qcyjcj40uHBwNZ6WFMuFOLd1m9LAPgCEw/s1600/bhjamieandcows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TztEFWmXVpc/WAe62BFpo3I/AAAAAAAAFJI/UR6Qcyjcj40uHBwNZ6WFMuFOLd1m9LAPgCEw/s320/bhjamieandcows.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>&nbsp;Jamie with the cows</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOQZWXbux2Q/WAe6nzdk9LI/AAAAAAAAFJE/QMCqJZSY5-MEY7EMPJ76jdi4VKMt6PJiQCEw/s1600/bhjeanneandducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOQZWXbux2Q/WAe6nzdk9LI/AAAAAAAAFJE/QMCqJZSY5-MEY7EMPJ76jdi4VKMt6PJiQCEw/s320/bhjeanneandducks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>&nbsp;Jeanne and the ducks</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRtVNs6prrY/WAe63sYHvgI/AAAAAAAAFJM/0D9mTb6SLagqe-rik0pNAmre5ScDEltfACEw/s1600/bhnoraandjoannie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRtVNs6prrY/WAe63sYHvgI/AAAAAAAAFJM/0D9mTb6SLagqe-rik0pNAmre5ScDEltfACEw/s320/bhnoraandjoannie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>&nbsp;Joannie and Nora, who won the goldfish-naming contest:)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AApMc1KMtwI/WAe677QNjtI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/tTyePrQBlDo8gd8RbipRqENlkQeKAruxgCEw/s1600/bhnorajamiemax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AApMc1KMtwI/WAe677QNjtI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/tTyePrQBlDo8gd8RbipRqENlkQeKAruxgCEw/s320/bhnorajamiemax.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Nora and Jamie with Max (who liked to hang with us during the class)</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQaMo6qC-E4/WAfMwGgq5CI/AAAAAAAAFKc/s5Pg6_KBYvoSFcM74zqtVQx2F9JYqy7cACLcB/s1600/bhjoannieandhorses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQaMo6qC-E4/WAfMwGgq5CI/AAAAAAAAFKc/s5Pg6_KBYvoSFcM74zqtVQx2F9JYqy7cACLcB/s320/bhjoannieandhorses.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Joannie with horses</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mjj2up_7HRs/WAe6cY6EeuI/AAAAAAAAFJU/fyBt7Gw63A8aAhShcBTwW61q2TzhWaGogCEw/s1600/bhejandpat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mjj2up_7HRs/WAe6cY6EeuI/AAAAAAAAFJU/fyBt7Gw63A8aAhShcBTwW61q2TzhWaGogCEw/s320/bhejandpat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pat with E.J. (you will hear more about this beautiful little fellow later)</i></div><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And now on to my personal stories:&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">First day</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After the first class session, during the lunch break I visited with a beautiful kitty named Annie who arrived recently at BrightHaven after her person passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She is 13, and surely going through some adjustments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They had her in a separate little area which had a number of options for cozy hidey spaces for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She was inside a cozy plush box which had a circular opening in the front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>As I wanted to approach her gently, I found what looked like a plush magic wand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The wand part was very soft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So I spoke softly to her, sharing some Reiki with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>After a bit, I wanted to see if she was open to some gentle TTouches with the wand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She seemed comfortable with that, so we tried that for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>After a bit, I took a break and knew I would be working with her again over the next few days.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4WJRmt9o_70/WAe8_nUZ8ZI/AAAAAAAAFJY/Ss7ae1k4OyEoEJpQFU0iQOStJBr80WI_gCLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4WJRmt9o_70/WAe8_nUZ8ZI/AAAAAAAAFJY/Ss7ae1k4OyEoEJpQFU0iQOStJBr80WI_gCLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>E.J. the burro (and Nora's hands)</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Next, we went to do a Reiki treatment in a pasture where some horses and a burro named E.J. (short for Elton John) lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I have only worked with horses once before (and my only other contact with horses was very minimal, in my early teens), so this was something new, but I was excited about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And I don’t think I ever worked with a burro before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I felt particularly drawn to little E.J., and during the session he came right up to me and stayed near me for quite a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He rubbed his head against me and I felt such a strong connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>A feeling of pure love and unity with him out in this quiet open space outside with the infinite sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So beautiful to feel those suspended moments in time with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Later in the day, I wanted to share Reiki with another one of the shy kitties, Buffy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Buffy is an adorable little tortie who recently came to BrightHaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khJiCClomjg/WAYzUdPkgHI/AAAAAAAAFHo/56N1j_hDxWgveLYIBPlB5etSgAxpHB6zgCLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khJiCClomjg/WAYzUdPkgHI/AAAAAAAAFHo/56N1j_hDxWgveLYIBPlB5etSgAxpHB6zgCLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B054.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Buffy</i></div><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Buffy is presently living in an office room in the house, which also has a fenced-in garden area where she can go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>There are cozy hidey places where she can hang out and hide out as she pleases. When I first sat down to share Reiki with her, she was in the garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She looked at me with big eyes and wasn’t too sure, but I just sat close to the doorway and let her have some distance from me, letting the Reiki flow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I started to connect with her and she got more comfortable, sitting in the sun and beginning to groom herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At that moment one of my fellow students passed outside the fence where she was (not realizing I was working with her), and Buffy got startled and ran past me and back behind a little screen to hide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is a little strange when I can’t see how the animal is reacting, but I still was feeling a strong energetic connection with Buffy, so I just trusted it and continued to sit where I was for a good while, sharing the energy with her, silently telling her she was welcome to take as much or little as she wished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Second day</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKORzsICkWg/WAY1gst9byI/AAAAAAAAFIE/SrQH5HcCQoYpmCC-loPp8FgTsvBCGOVkgCLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKORzsICkWg/WAY1gst9byI/AAAAAAAAFIE/SrQH5HcCQoYpmCC-loPp8FgTsvBCGOVkgCLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B042.JPG" width="239" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Annie</i></span> </span></div><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today during the lunch break, I worked with Annie again.&nbsp; </span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was doing some TTouches with her as well as letting the Reiki flow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span>She came out of her box for me pretty shortly after I started working with her, which was great.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGN055H7fqs/WAY1WfinVuI/AAAAAAAAFIA/AcW95uT7LDwtrPHfSwvcFHxncjtkdVDvQCLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGN055H7fqs/WAY1WfinVuI/AAAAAAAAFIA/AcW95uT7LDwtrPHfSwvcFHxncjtkdVDvQCLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B043.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Later on, I saw her actually hanging out on a cat bed outside the box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Lovely to see progress with her already!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On this second day, one of the things we worked with was chanting the Reiki symbols.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>When we did it with the class inside, I was having a hard time, feeling like I was only getting a few sounds out before I had to take a breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I started to feel as though I was hyperventilating a bit, so just did it at my own pace, chanting a bit, pausing, then chanting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Apparently it can take some practice to get the hang of it, or at least for me to get the hang of it!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Later when we went out to work with the animals, we were working with the chanting again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I wanted to see if I could connect with little E.J. again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This time I was outside the fence, standing next to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>E.J. and the horses were pretty far away, except for one horse, standing in shady spots as it was quite hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wjSJOH3K1Y/WAY3zI2qxFI/AAAAAAAAFIc/jefx_KjnEmwU-L5LEvMCz4tSbrsc2KbuwCLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wjSJOH3K1Y/WAY3zI2qxFI/AAAAAAAAFIc/jefx_KjnEmwU-L5LEvMCz4tSbrsc2KbuwCLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At first I felt I was not connecting with my breath and the sound, and the energy was not flowing well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; E.J. and t</span>he horses were far away to begin with and got even further away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I had cycled through all three symbol chants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Things were clearly not really connecting, and I felt a bit lost.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Suddenly I felt E.J. say to me, from his place far away in the pasture, “Don’t be afraid”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I really felt what he was saying, and felt something deep inside me let go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At that point I went back and started from the first Reiki symbol again, and suddenly I had found my voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I had found my strength and power. I felt the chanting coming from such a deep and resonant place.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">E.J. had sent me a healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I felt connected with </span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">E.J. </span> and all the horses, and with the wind, and the sky, with the warmth of the air, with the ground below me, with the trees blowing, and with all around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; So beautiful and so powerful</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I thanked the animals at the end, and felt such profound love and gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I really felt the vibration and the power of being that grounded and connected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; And a oneness, a connection with all of the universe.&nbsp; A feeling of so much light and energy.&nbsp; I was so grateful to be there in that moment.</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LGVNTYod5r8/WAY0jlgDlrI/AAAAAAAAFH4/8A_WR1hkjTAZvZTRuEjUcgzoIj0pbbsAACLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LGVNTYod5r8/WAY0jlgDlrI/AAAAAAAAFH4/8A_WR1hkjTAZvZTRuEjUcgzoIj0pbbsAACLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B095.JPG" width="239" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Thomas and Johnny</i></span> </span></div><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I was walking back to the BrightHaven house from this experience, I came upon two cats sunning themselves that I had worked with before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The orange and white one, Thomas, was immediately receptive, and the siamesey one, Johnny, went away for a minute, but then came right back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I still had the chanting in my head from when I worked with the horses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; Both cats </span>calmed right into my hands and laid down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So sweet!</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Later on, in sharing my experience with Kathleen and the rest of the class, I found out that it was even more interesting than I already thought that E.J. offered this message and healing to me, as he had been through so much and was terrified when he first came to BrightHaven.&nbsp; He was so scared that people were going to mistreat him, so it took him a long time to truly trust and come into his own.&nbsp; And clearly he has come such a long way.&nbsp; I felt even more honored to have received this message particularly from him.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKN1ot_AnD8/WAe-8okMGqI/AAAAAAAAFJk/dAflF_mBY0QAU5kiTEtU2gjay--8akB7ACEw/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKN1ot_AnD8/WAe-8okMGqI/AAAAAAAAFJk/dAflF_mBY0QAU5kiTEtU2gjay--8akB7ACEw/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Buffy</i></span></span></div></div><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today when I went in to see Buffy, she was hidden in her little place behind the screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I offered my finger for her to sniff, and she immediately rubbed into it. Then she came out of her hiding place for more contact, rubbing on me and purring as I did some TTouches with the Reiki flowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u8t3oEfVF0Q/WAe_Id-SC_I/AAAAAAAAFJo/EddLPG-t4Cs1m2TN_qSsWRvN2HlrHRelwCEw/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u8t3oEfVF0Q/WAe_Id-SC_I/AAAAAAAAFJo/EddLPG-t4Cs1m2TN_qSsWRvN2HlrHRelwCEw/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B112.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then started doing a chant with one of the Reiki symbols.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I had this chant in my head already when I went in, and I think that helped me to be really grounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I mostly did the chant inside my head, as I did not want to startle her, and at the end I began to say it very softly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ETGWxW_gmIo/WAe-wUhdujI/AAAAAAAAFJg/Y63Yh8ky2qoCN9j5Z4zPylwHU0Ab-rD9QCEw/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ETGWxW_gmIo/WAe-wUhdujI/AAAAAAAAFJg/Y63Yh8ky2qoCN9j5Z4zPylwHU0Ab-rD9QCEw/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B118.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She responded very well, at times coming closer for pets and rubs, and other times moving a bit further away, but was interested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She also ate and went to the litter box while I was working with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Vicki had said that she had been more out and about today in general, which was so great to hear!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Third day</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the morning we worked with Reiki attunements.&nbsp; An attunement is a ritual which clears body, mind and spirit so that we can more easily be in connection with Reiki energy.&nbsp; We had the pleasure of practicing the attunements on each other outside with the sun and the light on us.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At one point, I had my eyes closed while one of my classmates was performing the attunement.&nbsp; While Kathleen was talking us through the process, one of the images that struck me was the concept of barriers dissolving into the light.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At that moment when she said these words, I had the sense of my skin dissolving so that there was nothing in between me and the light - that inside and outside my body were one.&nbsp; In that moment, I had become the light. A moment which felt suspended in time. . . and a moment and image which is so beautiful to bring back to my mind and body.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Later on... more with the animals ...</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/V-A4R2Ms9NE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V-A4R2Ms9NE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I went in Buffy's room today, she was sitting completely in the open in her cat tree.&nbsp; She was very friendly when I approached her, and came down from the cat tree, purring.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2Yc0Nyu5ok/WAfGZJheubI/AAAAAAAAFKM/BjPbggV2mKIqsl6YTMcchz9Vw3dlxKXuACLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2Yc0Nyu5ok/WAfGZJheubI/AAAAAAAAFKM/BjPbggV2mKIqsl6YTMcchz9Vw3dlxKXuACLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was visiting her briefly during a break, so didn't have a lot of time to spend with her, but I did some TTouches with her, letting the Reiki flow.&nbsp; So sweet to see her feeling so much more comfortable and confident!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHt9f_dkzr0/WAfGXD0saHI/AAAAAAAAFKA/vMv8mCZthrQ3-GBMJn8rT10YRMjrYQ20QCLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHt9f_dkzr0/WAfGXD0saHI/AAAAAAAAFKA/vMv8mCZthrQ3-GBMJn8rT10YRMjrYQ20QCLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B134.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Annie also was doing great, and came out of her hidey box for a while, purring.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9qW2l73lZc/WAY2Wif38rI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/vwSIs75dIwI4RTLyn7OiG01Rc20x4q7dwCLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9qW2l73lZc/WAY2Wif38rI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/vwSIs75dIwI4RTLyn7OiG01Rc20x4q7dwCLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Later in the day I went out to work with EJ and the horses in his area.&nbsp; We were asked to work with the Reiki precepts, whichever of them might be resonant.&nbsp; When I reached the fence where they were (I needed to stay outside the fence), two horses came right up to me and EJ, who was much further out in the pasture, saw me and came trotting right towards me, coming in between the two horses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I immediately I felt the words, "For today only, do not worry" [one of the Reiki precepts].&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I felt it in my heart and soul with such depth it brought tears to my eyes.&nbsp; They all started kissing and nuzzling against my hands.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSgpnvX12pY/WAY2hAz2bnI/AAAAAAAAFIU/XqI4BoGapPcjNvXIoIm3tMysSXSTgCLogCLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSgpnvX12pY/WAY2hAz2bnI/AAAAAAAAFIU/XqI4BoGapPcjNvXIoIm3tMysSXSTgCLogCLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I felt such love and connection with these beings - felt the energy connecting with all three of them and especially with E.J., who was such a healing creature for me during this workshop.&nbsp; </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s4DoQ3F5XZA/WAY2VoJYDPI/AAAAAAAAFIM/paMfThOXY8Y5uEPsUQ0RfvIU7qC_s9F0ACLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s4DoQ3F5XZA/WAY2VoJYDPI/AAAAAAAAFIM/paMfThOXY8Y5uEPsUQ0RfvIU7qC_s9F0ACLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B151.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I felt the beauty and peacefulness of being outside with them with the open sky.&nbsp; And the type of love that is so huge and without bounds.&nbsp; Again E.J. gently kissed my hand, as did the horses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After a good while there, E.J. went further away, but I still felt the connection with him very strong.&nbsp; After a bit, I quietly thanked them and ended the session.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUmVBFE3_DU/WAfBrRG3c-I/AAAAAAAAFJ0/UfRV2sUhM_sap8nfCJETsr6rR3G_iWU7ACLcB/s1600/bh9-25-16ducks%2B0%2B00%2B00-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUmVBFE3_DU/WAfBrRG3c-I/AAAAAAAAFJ0/UfRV2sUhM_sap8nfCJETsr6rR3G_iWU7ACLcB/s320/bh9-25-16ducks%2B0%2B00%2B00-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I walked back, I came upon two little ducks, who came right up to me.&nbsp; I felt such love and joy emanating from them.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_j9NVRwkGM/WAY0StGHadI/AAAAAAAAFHw/J7ahvaB28PYfIJMiJ-3EqougI-3eLk8LACLcB/s1600/brighthavenmejackthomas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_j9NVRwkGM/WAY0StGHadI/AAAAAAAAFHw/J7ahvaB28PYfIJMiJ-3EqougI-3eLk8LACLcB/s320/brighthavenmejackthomas.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And then I had a very lovely moment with Jack and Thomas.&nbsp; I started doing some gentle TTouches with Jack, letting the Reiki flow, and Thomas began to rub against my hand as well.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6g_YGvvEqw/WAY4VfQtkRI/AAAAAAAAFIo/IaY6BMIq_-c9Tht0LLCSvgHFtKNnda6VACLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6g_YGvvEqw/WAY4VfQtkRI/AAAAAAAAFIo/IaY6BMIq_-c9Tht0LLCSvgHFtKNnda6VACLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B173.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the afternoon, I was asked to work with Peanut.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We were doing a meditation called the Reiki bridge, in which we offer the bridge and invite an animal to come across the bridge if they wish - they can come all the way to us or not at all, as they choose.&nbsp; It is always up to the animal how much or little they wish to connect with us.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Peanut started out in her cat bed in the window, as you see above.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgrAjCrHI8s/WAY4L-41fZI/AAAAAAAAFIg/AkhHRPsGR241dx-vBZ7NtC0DeftF34ISQCLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgrAjCrHI8s/WAY4L-41fZI/AAAAAAAAFIg/AkhHRPsGR241dx-vBZ7NtC0DeftF34ISQCLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shortly after I began to let Reiki flow, she came forward and nuzzled my hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fLUtFbeI54/WAY4M-ekklI/AAAAAAAAFIk/HHlRnCZEjGIHFeDeIvQf0q6pdhJeqc_RwCLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fLUtFbeI54/WAY4M-ekklI/AAAAAAAAFIk/HHlRnCZEjGIHFeDeIvQf0q6pdhJeqc_RwCLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B175.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She started pushing into my hand and rubbing against me.&nbsp; I ended up sitting on the floor and she completely settled into my lap. A beautiful, peaceful feeling sitting with her completely settled with me as we sat together in the Reiki space.&nbsp; </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HkfERksNfwU/WAY4f2wJg4I/AAAAAAAAFIs/blS6_wXf96clz8lcnEKgtNvjXsTZLqoPQCLcB/s1600/sfbrighthaven%2B178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HkfERksNfwU/WAY4f2wJg4I/AAAAAAAAFIs/blS6_wXf96clz8lcnEKgtNvjXsTZLqoPQCLcB/s320/sfbrighthaven%2B178.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A very pleasant way to end the training, with this sweet creature.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was hard to leave the peace and tranquility of BrightHaven.&nbsp; I was glad to have a bit of time in San Francisco before going back to my busy life in New York. </span><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now I have been back in the loud environment of&nbsp; New York City for several weeks, but I have brought back so much from that experience that has been of help to me, and hopefully will be of help as well to the animals I work with as well.&nbsp; And when I find myself stressed, I can bring my mind back to some of those beautiful images and feelings - E.J. and the horses in the pasture, the feeling of the open sky, and the air, and the wind, and a feeling of oneness with the universe.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I feel my senses more attuned to any natural sounds, sights and sensations, - the chirping of birds or of crickets, the wind blowing through the trees, a feeling of warmth from the sun.&nbsp; These all help recall some of the beauty, lightness and connection that I felt from this experience - which is especially helpful in the hecticness of the city.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you so much to Kathleen, to the wonderful people and animals at BrightHaven, and to my lovely classmates for helping this to be such a beautiful and memorable experience. xoxo</span></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/97goTw5D-tQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2016/10/reiki-iii-and-teacher-training-at.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-26327153556190357852016-10-01T12:06:00.000-04:002016-10-01T12:06:03.049-04:00TTouch, Clicker Training and More with Bella: Helping a Rambunctious Kitten To Get on the Right Track:)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgBaCpUTejY/V87v5wLMhpI/AAAAAAAAFFc/ovVD0EPlBLA40zdsltObe1Xaljhuo9IHgCLcB/s1600/8-30-16bellaelizabeth%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgBaCpUTejY/V87v5wLMhpI/AAAAAAAAFFc/ovVD0EPlBLA40zdsltObe1Xaljhuo9IHgCLcB/s320/8-30-16bellaelizabeth%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Bella is a beautiful, confident, friendly kitten who was adopted by Elizabeth and Mike into their lovely and caring home.&nbsp; To say Bella is energetic is putting it mildly!&nbsp; She has so much energy that some of it builds up into over-stimulated behavior, and she has been biting them (primarily Elizabeth).<br /><br />I went for a session with them to see what was happening, and to help give them some strategies to help.<br />I had mentioned clicker training to Elizabeth, and she had already gotten Bella started with this, which was great.<br />Bella came right out to greet me enthusiastically when I came in.&nbsp; We worked a bit with clicker training with her, explaining some variations she could do with the training.<br />Then I showed Elizabeth and Mike how to do some basic TTouch.&nbsp; As Bella was in a very active mood, I demonstrated on a stuffed animal for part of the time, and worked on Bella a little at a time. I could tell that the TTouches would be helpful for her.&nbsp; I worked a bit with the stick end of a stick toy with her at times, as she can get overstimulated.&nbsp; I gave her lots of breaks, continuing to explain to Elizabeth and Mike about the TTouches.<br />It was very interesting, as I could see Bella's energy slowly begin to calm as I very gradually worked with her.<br />I advised Elizabeth to continue with the clicker training, TTouches, and lots of play time, and to get Bella some toys she can play with on her own as well.&nbsp;<br />It is beneficial to do the TTouches a few times a day, if you can, depending on what is going on.&nbsp; You don't need to do a long session - even a session which is only a few minutes can start to make a difference.&nbsp; The work builds on itself.&nbsp; The animal begins to recognize the feeling of the TTouches, and usually relaxes right into them.&nbsp; And, over time, the TTouches can have such a profound effect on an animal's general level of relaxation and well-being, and helps an animal to not be as reactive to stressful situations.<br />I also showed her something that usually works really well as a corrective sound with kittens, as it mimics the type of sound a kitten makes to another kitten if they are playing too roughly.&nbsp; It is a sudden, high-pitched squeak-type sound, that usually gets the other kitten to back off.&nbsp; Thank you to my friend <a href="http://catsleuth.com/" target="_blank">Kerrie</a><a href="http://catsleuth.com/" target="_blank"> McKeon</a>, cat behavior expert extraordinaire and keeper of the cats at Bideawee, for teaching me about that.&nbsp; <br /><br />I explained the importance of giving a variety of kinds of spaces for Bella, such as vertical space so she can have another dimension to explore and play, and cozy hidey spaces where she can go to calm herself down.<br />I have video tutorials on TTouch, as well as a few on clicker training on my youtube page, http://youtube.com/sarahsuricat.<br />After the session, I made a Bach Flower remedy for Bella both in drops and spray form, so it could be sprayed in the environment as well as taken internally.&nbsp; The remedy can be taken four or more times a day, depending on what is going on.&nbsp; As Bella can continue to be hyped up after play time, one good time to spray and give the remedy is after playtime.&nbsp; I also advised Elizabeth to leave the room for a bit after their play session and just let Bella calm down.<br />So.... the wonderful news that I heard shortly after our session was that Bella is doing so much better:)&nbsp; Good work on the part of one and all! xxoo<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/fvqzhNPVOMU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2016/10/ttouch-clicker-training-and-more-with.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-87423734287754219852016-08-16T10:48:00.000-04:002016-08-16T10:48:03.991-04:00Connecting with Luther: Helping a Sensitive Soul Unwind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eL4xSHQM9IM/V684RTjUzkI/AAAAAAAAFFA/7PJ-9KOFvGAuFP60ono8bVKQhteOP7BAACLcB/s1600/5-15-15luther3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eL4xSHQM9IM/V684RTjUzkI/AAAAAAAAFFA/7PJ-9KOFvGAuFP60ono8bVKQhteOP7BAACLcB/s320/5-15-15luther3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Luther is a beautiful tabby cat who I have worked with off and on for the past couple of years.&nbsp; He has two adopted cat brothers, Mr. Maps and Scrumble.&nbsp; They live in a wonderful home with their kind and caring people, Suzanne and Mike.<br /><br />Following is a link to a post about Luther and Mr. Maps after their brother Bunny (the dear kitty who I first worked with in this household) had passed, and before Scrumble was adopted. to give more of a back story of Luther:<br />http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2014/09/my-journey-with-luther-and-mr-maps.html<br /><br />Luther is an extremely sensitive cat, and can get overstimulated easily.&nbsp; When I first started working with him, this would happen more easily and he could go into attack mode.&nbsp; I worked with him very gently and carefully, giving him plenty of space, and allowing him to come closer as he was comfortable.&nbsp; After some months of TTouch, Reiki, Bach Flower remedies and clicker training, this behavior calmed substantially, and his people were able to be closer to him and even pick him up and hold him, which was wonderful.<br /><br />But there are times when he goes back into a more stressed mode, and needs some reminding of how to be in a calmer state.&nbsp; Most recently I was called to work with him because he had started peeing off the side of counters.&nbsp; I came for a session, and brought a Bach Flower remedy for him as well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Y61JK_R91s/V681gwgYzfI/AAAAAAAAFEc/CxNDMcchKJgkq_Z0VUdFUPN2XNc1bxGhgCEw/s1600/7-22-16lutherreikigood%2B%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Y61JK_R91s/V681gwgYzfI/AAAAAAAAFEc/CxNDMcchKJgkq_Z0VUdFUPN2XNc1bxGhgCEw/s320/7-22-16lutherreikigood%2B%25285%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Luther</i></div>Luther is extremely receptive to Reiki.&nbsp; By now he is so familiar with the energy that when I start to create the Reiki space, he feels and connects with it right away, and starts to settle.<br /><br />I started our session in the bigger space of the loft, which is where we usually start with some clicker training.&nbsp; I left the doors open so that all the cats could join if they wanted, and move around as they pleased.&nbsp; After a bit of clicker training, I sat on the floor with all of them and let the Reiki f<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ovon_fncGxg/V684gnh7JGI/AAAAAAAAFFI/HXFGO3gSt1A9DLx2idEoJnSdpZULTbCWgCEw/s1600/7-22-16scrumble%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ovon_fncGxg/V684gnh7JGI/AAAAAAAAFFI/HXFGO3gSt1A9DLx2idEoJnSdpZULTbCWgCEw/s320/7-22-16scrumble%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Scrumble</i></div>At this point I felt all the cats connect with the energy, calming.&nbsp; Scrumble came right near me and settled down next to my feet, and Mr. Maps and Luther settled at a comfortable distance.&nbsp; Since Luther is so sensitive, I sit with a sideways orientation to him, rather than straight-on, and soften my gaze.&nbsp; This is actually something that I do when working with animals in general, but it is especially important with a very sensitive animal. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SaNPb0UnLTw/V684bKGaOCI/AAAAAAAAFFE/qx_EtVt0TlYs_9INQgk2QDkm3HsRLxJkgCEw/s1600/7-22-16mrmaps%2B%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SaNPb0UnLTw/V684bKGaOCI/AAAAAAAAFFE/qx_EtVt0TlYs_9INQgk2QDkm3HsRLxJkgCEw/s320/7-22-16mrmaps%2B%25287%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<i>Mr. Maps</i></div><br />I felt a very tangible connection of my heart to Luther's, as well as a connection with the other two cats.&nbsp; And I felt this deep sense of love connecting us.<br /><br />Reiki can facilitate this feeling:&nbsp; a timeless, universal feeling of love and connection.&nbsp; I felt all four of us connected, but particularly felt the energy that connected Luther and me, our hearts connecting and the energy passing back and forth between us.&nbsp; At this time I was also speaking to him in a soft, soothing, rhythmic voice, which can add another level of calmness in combination with the Reiki energy.&nbsp; After a time I was quiet, still feeling the energy of a soft voice there.&nbsp; Luther visibly calmed, and I had a sense of him calming internally as well.<br /><br />After a time, Luther got up and moved into a smaller room which is used as a walk-in closet.&nbsp; Luther started to settle there.&nbsp; I waited a moment, and after sensing he wanted me to join him in there, I went in the room and settled a few feet away from him, the Reiki energy continuing to flow.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PP17UK3q2FU/V682mtFq_cI/AAAAAAAAFE0/lu1lQ0STTyEl9EJ88eEUVsjz_NXi0Gt0gCEw/s1600/7-22-16lutherreiki%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PP17UK3q2FU/V682mtFq_cI/AAAAAAAAFE0/lu1lQ0STTyEl9EJ88eEUVsjz_NXi0Gt0gCEw/s320/7-22-16lutherreiki%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I felt him comforted by the smaller space, as well as by feeling the softness of the carpet underneath him.&nbsp; There was light coming in the window, and I could feel Luther's sense that this was where he wanted to be.&nbsp; Here with the energy, coziness, softness and light.&nbsp; As I continued to share Reiki with him, he calmed further and further, slowly stretching out and reaching complete relaxation.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5f1f1UbwBU/V682qeS9GSI/AAAAAAAAFE0/mFA7-IyU8G4OeWAgQL0wUlSpmjhdgLdcACEw/s1600/7-22-16lutherreikicrop%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5f1f1UbwBU/V682qeS9GSI/AAAAAAAAFE0/mFA7-IyU8G4OeWAgQL0wUlSpmjhdgLdcACEw/s320/7-22-16lutherreikicrop%2B%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Such a beautiful feeling, his spirit and body really unwinding.&nbsp; We stayed here for the rest of his session.&nbsp; It was almost difficult to end the session, as I could feel him absorbing the energy so much.&nbsp; I ended the session very softly, thanking him and thanking Reiki.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgqbetX7mWQ/V681aGk6kaI/AAAAAAAAFEc/Fx5iECXi2A0xadahsUFBfCEIiyfEhORKgCEw/s1600/7-22-16lutherreikigood%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgqbetX7mWQ/V681aGk6kaI/AAAAAAAAFEc/Fx5iECXi2A0xadahsUFBfCEIiyfEhORKgCEw/s320/7-22-16lutherreikigood%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Afterwards, I told Suzanne and Mike what had happened, and suggested that it could benefit him to have a smallish, soft space, such as a crate with towels inside and draped over the top and three sides of it, so that he could have a little place to go and calm down when he needed it.&nbsp; They told me that he always has access to the closet as well, so that is good too.&nbsp; They have a crate, so they set this up for him, and sent me this photo of him looking very cozy indeed!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Djl0PkZEcUA/V682SDxqmPI/AAAAAAAAFEg/MJ30VuA1LBwF5sc-aSFgF2_3XLsuFbI-gCLcB/s1600/7-27-16lutherincrate%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Djl0PkZEcUA/V682SDxqmPI/AAAAAAAAFEg/MJ30VuA1LBwF5sc-aSFgF2_3XLsuFbI-gCLcB/s400/7-27-16lutherincrate%2B001.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I checked in with them a few days ago, and his behavior has been good.&nbsp; They said they don't often see him in his "apartment", but he seems to be glad it is there:)&nbsp;<br />With much love and gratitude, xoxo<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/oMgZt36lCqI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2016/08/connecting-with-luther-helping.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-43925352496863631012016-08-06T10:47:00.000-04:002016-08-06T10:49:17.832-04:00Reiki with the Cats at Bideawee: Oneness and Eternal LoveI always love my time with animals, and have meaningful connections with them every day.&nbsp; But at times there are those special moments that sneak up on you and surprise you in the most beautiful way.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgyT_QwaBb4/V6X0oRyAM4I/AAAAAAAAFDM/YfsQC2NIyOsU4jMSERa9u0d5KYsekTzsQCLcB/s1600/bideawee7-29-16ashantireikigood%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgyT_QwaBb4/V6X0oRyAM4I/AAAAAAAAFDM/YfsQC2NIyOsU4jMSERa9u0d5KYsekTzsQCLcB/s320/bideawee7-29-16ashantireikigood%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ashanti</i></div><br />Last week, towards the end of my afternoon working with the cats at Bideawee, I decided to go into the main cat room to work with Ashanti, one of my long-time kitty friends there.&nbsp; The cats in this room generally are cats who prefer to be only cats, so they reside in cages but are let out to roam freely in the room in shifts, so they all have time out.&nbsp; There are two adjacent cat rooms which each house 4-5 cats, and one can see the cats in this room through the glass walls.<br /><br />Ashanti was having his time out.&nbsp; As it was a quiet time of day, I decided to sit on the floor in the middle of the room and offer Reiki to him.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lc4kkc2YvAU/V6X0oqcScEI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/MZ-v0gpwphoMJBIX1VEQ0yJ-rZdqDtpSgCEw/s1600/bideawee7-29-16ashantireikigood%2B%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lc4kkc2YvAU/V6X0oqcScEI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/MZ-v0gpwphoMJBIX1VEQ0yJ-rZdqDtpSgCEw/s320/bideawee7-29-16ashantireikigood%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Ashanti first came up to me, looked at me, and then climbed to an upper area in the room, where he loves to be, and laid down, squinting his eyes, absorbing the energy.<br /><br />As the energy began to flow, it expanded through the room and I felt it connecting with the other cats in the room as well.&nbsp; The radio was playing quietly.&nbsp; I felt such a peacefulness come over the room.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OtWIbKYRJ8/V6X0yCwmRYI/AAAAAAAAFDU/ctFVlD42UV03j7gpwCeoAyuyAc7Kz1npwCEw/s1600/bideawee9-5-15coral.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OtWIbKYRJ8/V6X0yCwmRYI/AAAAAAAAFDU/ctFVlD42UV03j7gpwCeoAyuyAc7Kz1npwCEw/s320/bideawee9-5-15coral.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Coral</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>I felt the energy become stronger and stronger, and felt the connections with all the cats in the room, as well as those in the adjacent rooms.&nbsp; I felt the history of my connections with these cats, some of whom I have known for a good while.&nbsp; The strength and beauty of that shared history.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wMNkNMFKhhE/V6X2Bv6EA-I/AAAAAAAAFDw/S6omv1krPa81pEyXYG6Ld-13sRRzlNh0wCLcB/s1600/bideawee4-2-16buddy%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wMNkNMFKhhE/V6X2Bv6EA-I/AAAAAAAAFDw/S6omv1krPa81pEyXYG6Ld-13sRRzlNh0wCLcB/s320/bideawee4-2-16buddy%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Buddy</i></div>I felt a huge energy of love filling up the room.&nbsp; This feeling of an eternal kind of love, a love beyond the boundaries of time and space.&nbsp; Boundless joy and infinite connection with the cats and with the universe.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8S9HKHfHMQI/V6X1UQm7nPI/AAAAAAAAFDk/NAWA525DEssnQ2w2G4x2AlCQkWT3LlHMQCEw/s1600/bideawee6-28-16banditgood%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8S9HKHfHMQI/V6X1UQm7nPI/AAAAAAAAFDk/NAWA525DEssnQ2w2G4x2AlCQkWT3LlHMQCEw/s320/bideawee6-28-16banditgood%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bandit</i></div><br /><br />I felt such happiness and gratitude for the animals for this time with them, for all the time I have had with them, for their openness with me, for all that they give to me and teach me, and for all the love they share with me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HB5BORKwVgw/V6X05YA7YoI/AAAAAAAAFDY/z_WvOMhr6IArTdvWRqJsXgQMZ_hp_FQMwCEw/s1600/bideawee12-31-15rocky%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HB5BORKwVgw/V6X05YA7YoI/AAAAAAAAFDY/z_WvOMhr6IArTdvWRqJsXgQMZ_hp_FQMwCEw/s320/bideawee12-31-15rocky%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rocky</i></div>I felt suspended in time, connected with these beautiful animals with the energy and connection of love and gratitude.&nbsp; Connected with them all and connected with the eternal feeling of love.&nbsp; Love that goes beyond time and space.&nbsp; Feeling like I am exactly where I need to be, that we were all exactly where we needed to be in this moment.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A2cJxrAY-RI/V6X1PkpOGJI/AAAAAAAAFD0/8hjnxY0YXtAo0uA4Uv1brTBrrsSODdikgCEw/s1600/bideawee7-18-16jayneandjaxttouch%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A2cJxrAY-RI/V6X1PkpOGJI/AAAAAAAAFD0/8hjnxY0YXtAo0uA4Uv1brTBrrsSODdikgCEw/s320/bideawee7-18-16jayneandjaxttouch%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jax and Jayne</i></div><br /><br />All the cats in the room, and in the adjacent rooms, were peaceful and calm.&nbsp; A few cats were eating or grooming, others were just resting peacefully.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2QUm9CZA_so/V6X29BXW2uI/AAAAAAAAFD8/JVFvgKW37D08jSSIagtOuQEGku0RqgknACLcB/s1600/bideawee7-14-16jogood%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2QUm9CZA_so/V6X29BXW2uI/AAAAAAAAFD8/JVFvgKW37D08jSSIagtOuQEGku0RqgknACLcB/s320/bideawee7-14-16jogood%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jo</i> </div><br />It was such a beautiful way to end my day with them. When the time was right, I slowly ended the session, thanking Reiki, and thanking the cats.&nbsp; I looked around the room at all of them, and told them to have a wonderful night.&nbsp; I can't wait to see them again! xxooo<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jungle</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EargZtLLc_I/V6X3Lbp3-mI/AAAAAAAAFEA/F_3qVI6kCEQ5snLBH1o-rzhcxy2zLR4nACLcB/s1600/bideawee5-24-16junglereiki%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EargZtLLc_I/V6X3Lbp3-mI/AAAAAAAAFEA/F_3qVI6kCEQ5snLBH1o-rzhcxy2zLR4nACLcB/s320/bideawee5-24-16junglereiki%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/GJsD5eKUfuE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com1http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2016/08/reiki-with-cats-at-bideawee-oneness-and.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-65059729514512099282016-07-09T11:01:00.001-04:002016-07-10T09:05:56.961-04:00Connecting with Gemini at BARC Shelter: The Generosity, Beauty and Wisdom of an Older Cat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0viC48uClNo/V4ENvGtBPJI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/LIZlHEY8slMEDduHNh6GRC_gyo5KRYoWgCLcB/s1600/barc7-6-16meandgeminihug%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0viC48uClNo/V4ENvGtBPJI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/LIZlHEY8slMEDduHNh6GRC_gyo5KRYoWgCLcB/s320/barc7-6-16meandgeminihug%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Thank you to fellow volunteer and friend Mary G<br />for taking the first and last photos in this post:)</i></div>Gemini is a beautiful older gentleman cat who is at BARC Shelter.&nbsp; He is gentle and sweet with everyone he meets, whether human or animal, and is so well-loved at the shelter.&nbsp; At times kittens were put in a cage with him and he would be a sweet and loving father to them. He would have been adopted long ago were it not for his compromised medical status. He has a non-cancerous tumor on one of his legs which is now bandaged because it bleeds.&nbsp; It would be risky to amputate the leg because he is quite old, and because of the risk of the anesthesia plus the trauma of the surgery.<br />For some months now, he has been roaming free in one of the play rooms at BARC (and can also be brought out into the main room during the day), which is wonderful. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmgUocMjvGA/V4EOSKg059I/AAAAAAAAFCc/IVm0T6XxXk4pklmq7OxO8RaQTqFElzMRgCKgB/s1600/barc8-19-15gemini3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmgUocMjvGA/V4EOSKg059I/AAAAAAAAFCc/IVm0T6XxXk4pklmq7OxO8RaQTqFElzMRgCKgB/s320/barc8-19-15gemini3.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I have been doing Reiki with him to help relax him, plus TTouch and Debono Moves (gentle, yet very powerful work based on Feldenkrais work and developed by <a href="http://debonomoves.com/" target="_blank">Mary Debono</a>) to help his sense of balance.&nbsp; Both of those modalities help give him a better sense of his body in space, which is very helpful.<br /><br />Following is a video of me doing some Debono Moves with him: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PM7hn8wInng/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PM7hn8wInng?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>He is extremely responsive to the work, and recently we had the honor of having Mary Debono come and teach a class recently. Gemini was a wonderful demo cat!<br /><br />I know that the work I share with him can not cure him, but also know that it can help provide some peace and balance so that he can be as comfortable a state as is possible, given his condition.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ACe3zYu-yWc/V4EN2ApaUuI/AAAAAAAAFCU/7IN2ZNNxu14fv6c5ovOd6qKYJeSDeJsRwCKgB/s1600/barc7-1-16meandgeminigood%2B%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ACe3zYu-yWc/V4EN2ApaUuI/AAAAAAAAFCU/7IN2ZNNxu14fv6c5ovOd6qKYJeSDeJsRwCKgB/s320/barc7-1-16meandgeminigood%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The moments I spend with Gemini are really so special.&nbsp; He so completely opens his heart to me, and I feel us become one with the peaceful, loving energy of Reiki, which is flowing whether I am just sharing Reiki or whether I am using another modality with him.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGE1FPu1-r4/V4EQ-gGaEFI/AAAAAAAAFC8/G_MnMwFCAgcvlNUxGaDT5SEGb4koUrW8QCLcB/s1600/barc3-15-16geminigood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGE1FPu1-r4/V4EQ-gGaEFI/AAAAAAAAFC8/G_MnMwFCAgcvlNUxGaDT5SEGb4koUrW8QCLcB/s320/barc3-15-16geminigood.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />During this time that the energy is flowing, it is a very meditative time in which I feel in touch with his very spirit:&nbsp; the depth of his wisdom and experience combined with his unconditional love.&nbsp; The love and the energy reverberates and expands beyond time and space.There are times when I really feel transported to another place, even though I am simultaneously present in the shelter as well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emZLK_jz2dg/V4EOHiVNHII/AAAAAAAAFCY/66R0v0QszSslVCuvLbBlnaJjZGhPiYhbwCKgB/s1600/barc3-15-16meandgemini%2Bgood%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emZLK_jz2dg/V4EOHiVNHII/AAAAAAAAFCY/66R0v0QszSslVCuvLbBlnaJjZGhPiYhbwCKgB/s320/barc3-15-16meandgemini%2Bgood%25287%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Last week was such a time.&nbsp; I have been rather concerned about Gemini's condition and comfort level, but as is just about always the case, once I am there and connect with him with the energy, that concern slides away and we are just there in the beauty of the moment.&nbsp; He laid right into my hands and was so cozy, laying on his side and showing my hands where he wanted them to be.&nbsp; And I knew that we both were exactly where we were supposed to be in that moment.&nbsp; It was so peaceful.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Meanwhile, in the playroom where we were hanging out, there were also a number of kittens bounding about joyfully.&nbsp; I suddenly felt this lovely image of us being in a playground, with sun and light all around us, and the young ones playing.&nbsp; Trees blowing with a gentle breeze, and the light coming between the trees, the light of late summer.&nbsp; I felt such love and connection and such gratitude.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4QycpmCgbQ/V4EPslJbcmI/AAAAAAAAFCs/7I7Qoptl7lE-iTWifljAoivJZGPakUKiwCKgB/s1600/barc7-6-16meandgeminihug%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4QycpmCgbQ/V4EPslJbcmI/AAAAAAAAFCs/7I7Qoptl7lE-iTWifljAoivJZGPakUKiwCKgB/s320/barc7-6-16meandgeminihug%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I want to thank Gemini for sharing these beautiful moments with me, and for sharing all of his kind and loving soul with me.&nbsp; And thank you to BARC and my BARC friends for showing him such love and care. <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/XitIPJRc1MI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2016/07/connecting-with-gemini-at-barc-shelter.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-21467555220410539302016-06-14T10:29:00.000-04:002016-06-14T10:29:09.177-04:00Reiki Promotes Harmony: Reiki with Sylvie and others at Downtown Veterinary Clinic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4oTuEiN-TFI/V2AOnQkQoNI/AAAAAAAAFBI/GSs12q4o2jw1aipwagOOF3jfbdz_xsXzACLcB/s1600/dvc5-2-16sylviettouchhandrelax%2B%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4oTuEiN-TFI/V2AOnQkQoNI/AAAAAAAAFBI/GSs12q4o2jw1aipwagOOF3jfbdz_xsXzACLcB/s320/dvc5-2-16sylviettouchhandrelax%2B%25287%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Sylvie is a beautiful cat who I have been working with for some time at Downtown Veterinary Clinic.&nbsp; She was abandoned in a roller suitcase on the streets of NYC.&nbsp; She is very fearful in general, and fearful around other cats as well.&nbsp; My suspicion is that she was a solo cat wherever she was previously.&nbsp;<br />I have been working with her slowly and steadily through TTouch, Reiki, Debono Moves, play therapy, etc.&nbsp; She is more comfortable being touched more often than she was initially, and has become generally more comfortable in the environment where she is living - in an office space within the clinic where there are always several other roaming cats.<br />The people who work in the clinic say she is totally out and about now, not hiding as she usually was initially.<br />As far as contact with her, I follow whatever she is comfortable with, just nudging her forward gently when it feels right, always wanting to promote her feeling of safety.<br />On this particular day, when I arrived, she was nearly completely hidden in a box on a shelf off to the side.&nbsp; She was curled up and cozy.&nbsp;<br />I decided to just sit a few feet away and I began offering Reiki to her and to whoever was interested in joining the session.&nbsp; Most often, whichever cats are in the space will come close to me and settle, which is great, as it helps all of them to learn that they can be near each other and feel this connecting, calm energy.<br />Soon three cats came near me, settling.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZjdZYJy0mY/V2ARGw0iTGI/AAAAAAAAFBk/pZTa-OpfwIIzokplivfQKMUTKV7RKRdGQCLcB/s1600/dvcsylviereiki%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZjdZYJy0mY/V2ARGw0iTGI/AAAAAAAAFBk/pZTa-OpfwIIzokplivfQKMUTKV7RKRdGQCLcB/s320/dvcsylviereiki%2B003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The black and white cat sitting further away is generally not comfortable with the other two, but they were all very peaceful. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faXmz2T-eEI/V2AQ-qjY5lI/AAAAAAAAFBg/35phr6-3wkYgM4rfWq77L5j7a9QLR6zZgCLcB/s1600/dvcsylviereiki%2B005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faXmz2T-eEI/V2AQ-qjY5lI/AAAAAAAAFBg/35phr6-3wkYgM4rfWq77L5j7a9QLR6zZgCLcB/s320/dvcsylviereiki%2B005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Then these two (Beamer and Lego) began to groom each other.&nbsp; I continued to send the energy, and felt such a calm, serene vibration throughout the room<br /><br />Then, I heard a rustling inside the cardboard box, and to my surprise, Sylvie came out of the box, and with no hesitation, settled right on top of the easy chair that Beamer and Lego were grooming each other on, and right next to me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdeNdhYyW4A/V2ARJGEE6nI/AAAAAAAAFBw/xS_FApXnp9wpHhBV3y80Le20ZqSMWJLGgCKgB/s1600/dvcsylviereiki%2B011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdeNdhYyW4A/V2ARJGEE6nI/AAAAAAAAFBw/xS_FApXnp9wpHhBV3y80Le20ZqSMWJLGgCKgB/s320/dvcsylviereiki%2B011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Please watch this video that shows what happened next:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ThoGZfERnJ8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ThoGZfERnJ8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br />Sylvie continued to relax, and the other cats around continued to relax for the rest of the session.&nbsp;<br /><br />This was such a reminder to me of how important it is to release one's expectations, and to truly be in the moment and trust Reiki and, as Kathleen Prasad (who is a true master of Animal Reiki) says, "Be Reiki".&nbsp; I had no idea that Sylvie was going to come out of her box and come closer to me, I merely started with the idea that I was going to share this energy with her and with the room to see what was possible.<br /><br />Reiki can help to promote a sense of harmony not only within one's self and with another being, but also between other beings.&nbsp; I have worked in households where other animals were not getting along, and Reiki has been so helpful in those situations.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQBNcQ8i8Kk/V2ARIJ83iUI/AAAAAAAAFCI/WHmpgTPZWRIkr0ZEbQa6GFCeD0XMYBQUgCKgB/s1600/dvcsylviereiki%2B021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQBNcQ8i8Kk/V2ARIJ83iUI/AAAAAAAAFCI/WHmpgTPZWRIkr0ZEbQa6GFCeD0XMYBQUgCKgB/s320/dvcsylviereiki%2B021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />It is not a "quick fix", but it can help a positive shift to begin, a shift which is very organic and really comes from the inside, rather than a change forcibly imposed on another being.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Thank you Sylvie, thank you to the other kitties, and thank you to Downtown Veterinary Clinic for all the good work you do and for all the love and care you give to the animals.&nbsp; Look forward to seeing you soon and having more adventures!&nbsp; xoxox<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/L6Xw7SO6Yyg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2016/06/reiki-promotes-harmony-reiki-with.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8234756188776583170.post-38615670616692196972016-05-24T12:32:00.003-04:002016-05-24T12:32:23.820-04:00Rusty at BARC Shelter: The Beauty, Power and Wisdom of a Senior Cat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hFd9R9CG-Y/V0R7yODPRvI/AAAAAAAAFAo/koFjuG31aaM2zYDyRazVzovjZQIra_UWQCLcB/s1600/barc11-11-15rusty4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hFd9R9CG-Y/V0R7yODPRvI/AAAAAAAAFAo/koFjuG31aaM2zYDyRazVzovjZQIra_UWQCLcB/s320/barc11-11-15rusty4.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Rusty is a very elegant, dignified and very sweet older cat.&nbsp; An older gentleman cat.&nbsp; He is probably about 18, with kidney issues and probably other health issues as well.&nbsp; He arrived at BARC Shelter probably a year ago, looking very frail and as if he would not be with us long.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div></div><div>However, he is a real trooper, and after being cared for medically and receiving much TLC from all who know him, he has been in a holding pattern -&nbsp; hanging in there, being well-cared- for, enjoying his food and getting love and attention from everyone.&nbsp; </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>I love him, and often spend Reiki time with him.&nbsp; He purrs and curls up, very contented, taking in the energy.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div></div><div>Colin, one of the two wonderful keepers of the cats at BARC, told me last week that Rusty was really not doing well, and he thought me may be ready to pass soon. Rusty did look even more frail than usual, and I also had a sense he was going to pass soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HflxARV-y-k/V0R6V_sb5YI/AAAAAAAAFAc/l1mosNJuErQhoirES1_KdjSAOMGWvbWNgCKgB/s1600/barc5-20-16rustyreiki%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HflxARV-y-k/V0R6V_sb5YI/AAAAAAAAFAc/l1mosNJuErQhoirES1_KdjSAOMGWvbWNgCKgB/s320/barc5-20-16rustyreiki%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>I sat with Rusty for a long time with Reiki.&nbsp; I told him I loved him and it was all right if he needed to leave his body.&nbsp; That he was safe and everything would be all right.&nbsp; I started to feel so sad for him, then I heard a very clear message from him.&nbsp; He said, "I have lived a good life."&nbsp; <br /></div><div>I found that to be so moving, and I knew what he meant by that.&nbsp; He was satisfied and comfortable and fine if he needed to leave his body.&nbsp; For animals it is so much less of a big deal than it is for us humans.&nbsp; Cats particularly are so fluid between the earthly plane and the spirit world.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HflxARV-y-k/V0R6V_sb5YI/AAAAAAAAFAc/l1mosNJuErQhoirES1_KdjSAOMGWvbWNgCKgB/s1600/barc5-20-16rustyreiki%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HflxARV-y-k/V0R6V_sb5YI/AAAAAAAAFAc/l1mosNJuErQhoirES1_KdjSAOMGWvbWNgCKgB/s320/barc5-20-16rustyreiki%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>He wanted me to let go of my sadness, and realize that everything was as it was supposed to be. </div><div>&nbsp;</div><div></div><div>And I felt so much gratitude coming from him.&nbsp; And I felt so grateful for him, and grateful to learn from his wisdom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQCxeuaJbQ0/V0R6uFeZ0yI/AAAAAAAAFAk/fn1dKCbmkyUPvx6LhHjl0z8rE1l_R6vkACKgB/s1600/barc12-9-15rusty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQCxeuaJbQ0/V0R6uFeZ0yI/AAAAAAAAFAk/fn1dKCbmkyUPvx6LhHjl0z8rE1l_R6vkACKgB/s320/barc12-9-15rusty.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As I sat with him with Reiki, he was purring and purring.&nbsp; I pictured him big, a very big cat, the size of a cougar.&nbsp; First I saw him surrounded with light, then I saw him resting in the grass.&nbsp; I still felt sadness, but I felt joy as well, in these beautiful and moving moments with him.&nbsp; I felt he was sharing the depth of his powerful and loving spirit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rzH67sEZ8-Q/V0R7_UwydxI/AAAAAAAAFAs/Hwe8TfnE-womcYx7ZkqC-iiKPTce9wcdQCKgB/s1600/barc3-19-16rusty%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rzH67sEZ8-Q/V0R7_UwydxI/AAAAAAAAFAs/Hwe8TfnE-womcYx7ZkqC-iiKPTce9wcdQCKgB/s320/barc3-19-16rusty%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When I left, I knew that I could be saying goodbye to him for the last time.&nbsp; I told him it was fine, if he needed to fly, fly, fly.</div><div><br /></div><div></div>The next day, I called Colin and he told me that Rusty was doing better, hanging in there.&nbsp; It is a week later and so far he is on the earthly plane.&nbsp; We realize he is near the end of his road, but if he can still have some happy moments before he goes, that is great.&nbsp; We will see what happens!&nbsp;<br /><br />Thank you so much to my BARC friends for all that you do.&nbsp; And thank you Rusty, for sharing your wisdom and love and precious time with me.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SarahHauser-MyJourneyWithAnimals/~4/HGYG3nINRdk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>sarahsuricathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15277235154953191237noreply@blogger.com0http://sarahsuricat.blogspot.com/2016/05/rusty-at-barc-shelter-beauty-power-and.html